[Ishu]

December 4th, Chicago. Base.

With a nod, he got up and walked out of the room with the little box. Not ready to return to the outpost just yet, he headed for the hospital and went inside. Making a bee line to Alice's room, he stopped outside the window and watched Ryan read to her, his features slowly becoming less and less pleased.

Meawhile, Alice listened to the stories. They all seemed very simple to her but she still liked them. What was more important was that Ryan was the one who sat there and read them to her. Having his confidence and determination, watching him work with both of his arms to hold the book and even turn pages. She was proud of him and it showed, though it seemed more like she was enjoying the stories.

Amante knocked on the door as he entered and cleared his throat, almost glaring the face off of Ryan with his mind. He reined the temptation back and gave the girl as greeting smile. "How has your stay been?"

She noticed the hostility from the man but did not seem totally phased by it. She simply stared at him as if waiting for him to do or say something else.