tea

Hearing Thirteen's words and seeing the state she was in made Ryder's heart feel as though it were being ripped in two.

Starting to say something to Thirteen, Ryder is cut off as she falls into him. Reflexes cause him to catch her, wrapping his arms around her and drawing her nearer to him. Putting his face down over hers, he checks her breathing, seeing that she was indeed sick.

"Thirteen, listen to me," he prompts gently but firmly. "You're going to be okay. Just stay with me here, alright? Stay with me."

Rocking back on his heels, Ryder takes off his rain coat and wraps it around Thirteen. Taking her back in his arms he stands up, cradling her as he walks. Trooper doesn't need any guidance as he obediently follows. It's a two-block walk to where the car was parked...

...The house is quiet. Ryder comes from the kitchen, returning to the living room with the hot cup of tea. He'd given Thirteen some dry clothes and had done his best to get her warm, settling her on the couch with a pillow and blanket.

Trooper was still lying on the kitchen floor, slowly drying as well.

Ryder eases down on the couch right next to Thirteen, tucking the blanket in closer around her and offering her the warm drink. Sighing, he studies her face and moves a wisp of wet hair from her cheek. So far, words hadn't been necessary.

"Why did you do it, Thirteen?" he asks quietly. "I don't understand. Why did you run away?"