[b]Shan - Near Haywood - Ryder[/b]

Shan stopped, her breathing heavy and wheezy, causing Ryder to shut his eyes and stand still. She doubled over, the backpack falling off her arm as she fumbled with the zipper and began fumbling equally as bad with the valve on her tank, "It's not…Ryder it's not turning…", she wheezed.

"Here.", Ryder started, grabbing her shoulders. He lowered her to the ground gently, placing a hand behind her head, and lay her back, "In through your nose, remember. Just breathe slowly…I'll fix it."

He glanced down at the dial that sat on the top of the small oxygen tank. It was drawing itself dangerously close to the red, and they were miles from the nearest hospital. His brain began working over time, trying to think of all the possibilities for her. She couldn't die on him. Not now. He could carry her, but they would get there a lot slower. He could find a vehicle, but finding one with gas, that actually worked was nearly impossible out here, now. He ran a hand through his messy hair, and closed his eyes as she continued wheezing.

"In and out…", he whispered softly, his hand moving from his hair to her scarlet locks, his fingers brushing over her forehead to attempt calming her down, "I'm going to use the last of it…Just to get you to the next town. Then, I'll leave you somewhere and I'll go see what I can find. Relax and catch your breath and we'll run, okay?"

Shan didn't speak, her eyes were fluttered closed, and she nodded gently. As soon as he had confirmation, he turned the valve on, opening the tube completely for her to get the oxygen she needed. Then, he sat back on his ass beside her, waiting out the attack.