*Nick*
"Damn you look like something Blue dragged in". I give LZ a smile, trying to lighten the mood.. I hate seeing him like this.. he isn't a big guy to begin with, but it is like he is wasting away.

He chuckles, which ends in a coughing fit and Emilia glares at me. "Don't make him laugh Nick".

"Sorry.. I was just..". I feel lost.. I totally feel her.. she looks tired and drawn.. and I know I do the same.. right now we are all fighting to keep our heads above water.

"No.. I am sorry.. I know you just wanted to.. lighten the mood". She comes over to hug me. "Thanks for doing this.. he.. needs it".

I smile at her. "No problem darling.. I am happy to help".

I am there to sit up the oxygen tank, as Marshal did not feel well enough, and seeing LZ's bluish lips I know it's not one bit too early. I hated leaving Nina, but Sherry is sitting with her.. and to be completely honest, getting a bit of fresh air and stretching my legs is actually nice.

Luckily the thing is not that difficult to install, Marshall has explained to me how to set it up and how it works. I am grateful that he predicted the need for this... I mean not many people have oxygen stored at home and honestly the thought of going to an overfilled hospital where people die alone in a small room or the hallway, and where doctors and nurses jump out the window in despair on an almost daily basis.. Well no thanks.

"Here you go sparky.. let me help you". I gently put the mask over LZ's mouth and nose, securing it with the elastic band. "Just breathe slowly.. it will help you".

He gives me a small nod and reaches out to weakly squeeze my hand, in a thankful gesture as oxygen fills his lungs.

"No problem my friend". I look at Emilia. "The switch is here on the side if you need to turn the flow up or down a bit.. or turn it off for a moment.. just call me if there is anything".

Emilia comes over to give me a hug. "Thank you Nick and give Nina my love.. I wish I could be with her too .. but..".

"Don't worry.. she knows.. we are all stretched to our limits here". I tell her, as I hug her back, happy to hear that her lungs at least sound fine. "Health wise this set up, with us split up as much as possible is.. probably best".

Sherry and I had talked about moving everyone into the barn where we have the gym, but as we know so little about this virus we decided that keeping the ones most sick separated was probably the safest.

"Remember yourself.. you have lost weight". She looks at me.

"I could tell you that you probably shouldn't be after me on that account". I give her a small smile. "Lets just say we probably both need to listen more to Sherry".

She nods. "Yeah.. let's agree on that.. see you Nick".

I walk back outside, walking the short way towards our own tent. It has just stopped raining and the sun is setting, colouring the horizon in the most beautiful colours of red, yellow and purple and I stop for a moment, looking out over the lands.

I am grateful that we live here and not in the city.. I am grateful that my family is all okay, and so is everyone else's families and I am grateful for being at a place in my life where I am capable of being grateful even in times like this.

"So.. God". I mumble, feeling kinda silly.. but it's like I just need air, mentally too. "You and I are going to have a problem if you take any of them.. they need to pull through you know.. and yeah I know.. we are all just insignificant specs of dust.. meat suits.. I have listened to Zac.. and he is right".

I chuckle softly and shake my head.. he has the weirdest way of saying the best things. "But.. we both know the world needs Zac.. he is.. special.. a light to others.. no dice we need him here.. and LZ he is.. well beside being way too young to go.. and too talented.. he is a ray of sunshine.. he has so much to give.. not only to Emilia.. but to all of us.. to everyone".

With a long slow breath, that I am also grateful for being capable off, I look at our tent. "And now I might be selfish.. I don't know if Nina has anything big to do.. to you she might just be one of a million.. but to me.. she is one in a million.. or actually one in close to seven point eight billions.. I promise I will spend every hour of every day making her happy, if I get to keep her.. deal ?"

As I am about to turn the most glorious rainbow is shimmering into existence, spanning the horizon.. like the last moisture just managed to catch the last rays of sunshine.. and I feel myself smile. "I will hold you to that".

Then I walk into the tent where Sherry looks up, putting a finger to her lip, then speaking in a low tone. "Shh she is sleeping..and she needs the rest".

"She does". I look at her.. she looks so calm as she is rolled up on her side, still pale, and a drop of sweat on her brow, but her breathing is calm and steady, even if it's a bit shallow.

"And so do you". Sherry gives me a motherly glare. "Go take a nap Nick.. just an hour or two.. I will stay here".

I look at Nina for a moment. "What about a .. compromise ? I'll take a nap here, beside her.. it also allows you to go do all the other things I know you have waiting".

She looks me over. "Okay then.. but you have to promise me you actually sleep.. no faking it".

"I promise.. thanks Sherry". I hug her and send her on her way.

Stripping down to my boxers and t-shirt, I crawl up beside Nina.. she lets out a small sound, turns and snuggles into my chest. I gently kiss her forehead and wind my arms around her.. moments later I am asleep too, knowing I will wake at the slightest change.