Matthew made a light approach to him, and when Max saw him, he was back in his previous state........aloof.

"Hey, how've you been?" Matthew asked him softly.

Max didn't say anything, which was making Matthew trickle with sweat, until finally, Max spoke.

"I'm alive.....why are you here?"

"Because, I care, Max. We're family.....bros for life!" He nudged him by gently placing a fist on Max's shoulder.

Max chuckled and shook his head. " 'Bros for life...' "

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"Yeah!"

Max shook his head again. "I thought Ben was my brother...."

Matthew pointed at Zack from a distance. "We're your brothers too! We're with you to the end!" He spoke confidentially.

Max then lowered his head. "Ben was there to the end too....his end....."

Matthew placed a hand on his shoulder and tried to say something else, but Max then grabbed his hand and pulled it off of him.

"I'm sorry, Max."

Max didn't say anything though, it was like he wasn't there anymore.

Matthew was torn. His best friend, lost in grief. Where is Max? This can't possibly be him he's talking to right now!

"Max......"

His friend didn't say another word.

Matthew sighs. "I'm just trying to help .." he then turned around and walked away from Max, a friend he lost to in time...

When he got back to his spot, Zack looked at him sternly. His arms were folded. "I told you not to talk to him."

Matthew glared at him, then sat down at his relaxing spot next to the stream.