[Sadrain]

November 24th, Knoxville.

Ryan fed and helped her drink few more times over the course of next hours, until it began to get dark. He then pulled another mattress next to hers, lit small mobile lamp he had stolen that day and put it near the top of the mattresses. It was more reassuring than actual light giving. It just felt to him that she wouldn't like to sleep in total darkness, after being in for so long.

Ryan changed his bandage again, trying to keep his groans and curses as quiet as possible. In all honesty, he didn't know why he was trying so hard to make her comfortable. No, he did. Ryan just didn't want to admit it. He felt awfully guilty for rescuing her from one group of monsters to likely give her to others. At least, what else could they be? The one giving him all that fancy information, had to be within. That person wanted Alice, for whatever she had been kept at the facility.

As he had taken care of her, Ryan's mind had often turned back to his family. Since all his siblings had different fathers, they weren't extremely close, but they still had depended on him, until street life claimed them all, and their little family broke to pieces. This girl strongly remained him of a sister, only weaker than his ever was. She was absolutely unable to defend her self, or even survive on her own.

His heart was heavy as he curled on the mattress, and Ryan talked about meaningless things for a bit more, until heavy sleep claimed him in nearly middle of a word. For a change, he slept good six hours without waking up, and felt a bit better. He fed her, helped her drink, even brushed her hair gently, although with her hair so long, it wasn't really easy and he cursed a little each time he pulled on a knot too hard. After that, he took care of him self, always trying to speak when he was out of her sight range, to assure Alice of his presence.

Finally, he quickly threw few things in the 'borrowed' car and came back for the last and heaviest package. Picking up Alice bridal style, Ryan carried down to vehicle and put her in the backseat, making sure she was as safe and comfortable as possible. "Don't worry about a thing," he told her again as he got in driver's seat and started up the car.