The memory fractured, and the scene flashed to a little girl of seven or eight carrying a boy of six or seven on her back. She cried out in anguish, "Don't be scared, little brother, don't be scared... *sob*... Your body is so hot... What should I do? What should I do...?"
"Big sister... am I going to die...?" the little boy gasped, his face flushed. Snowflakes landed on his forehead, instantly melting into cold drops of water that trickled down his neck.
"No... You won't... *sob*... Little brother, I forbid you... *sob*... to say such things..." the little girl whimpered, tears mixing with the melting snow as they streamed down her pretty face...
