Terri's hands dropped onto her knees as she bent forward, gasping for air. Sweat rolled down her forehead and along the sides of her face. Her curly hair had stuck to her skin, damp and messy from the long walk.
She tried to slow her breathing, but her chest kept rising and falling too fast.
Hale stood a few meters away from her, watching.
Both bags were slung over his shoulders. His own pack rested on one side while Terri's hung from the other. The weight did not seem to bother him, but the look on his face showed he was already losing patience.
"Time… time out," Terri managed between breaths. "My calves are burning."
She staggered toward a nearby rock and climbed onto it before Hale could respond. Once she sat down, she leaned forward and started rubbing both calves with shaking hands. She tried bending her knees in different positions so she could rest her head for a moment.
Hale stared at her.
They had not even walked three miles yet.
