[Sadrain]

December 9th, Chicago. Base.

Ryan sat down at her bedside and although he wanted to take her hand, he decided against it, especially because he did not want to wake her. He watched her sleep, and thought back how they had met, then all that had happened up until now. Heavily sighing, Ryan looked away from her. "I'm sorry," he murmured. He really felt sorry for it all - that Alice had been in the facility, that someone like him had found her, and most of all - that he wasn't able to change and find a stable position. He always put all his energy in what he did, if it was interesting. Ryan simply didn't know how to divide it in parts, or maybe didn't want to - it always could be the last time. Yet, with things like relationships, he went with the flow. It was a need that pushed him into them, without feelings. Sometimes physical need, but most often - need to be accepted and chase the loneliness away.

Alice had given Ryan that feeling, in larger amount than he could comprehend. Yet, she seemed so nice and sweet with everyone, it was hard to believe it was directed to him as a person, as a friend. And she already had someone. Amante would be able to protect her better. Ryan had pestered Alice's doctor about therapy and found out that Amante had had it postponed. It had made him feel hollow, to think that now Amante noticed when she felt good, and when bad. But there was no one else he could blame - just him self. Trying to give her space and life, he had done exactly that.

Ryan's train of thought was hit off the track when Amante entered the room. Without a word, the man stood up and moved towards the doors. He did not want to have an argue, not while Alice was sleeping. Amante probably doubted his truthfulness, but last thing Ryan wanted was to see her unwell. His shoulders were slumped, gaze stiffly set ahead. Still, he was thinking how lovely it would be to punch Amante's smug face just once. He certainly did deserve it. Ryan's mouth twitched, as he carefully closed the doors behind him. Yes, that image pleased him immensely.