From a moral standpoint, Gerard did the right thing, putting someone out of their suffering, especailly when that person is his own brother. As it stands, when your dog is suffering and sick, you have it put to sleep, so doing the same to humans isn't that much of a stretch.
And that last paragraph or two just added a whole new level of intense to this thing. I must have more!
Author's response
Wow, that was a really good point! That's a great way to put it. Thank you!! :D