Tom can’t run any longer.

He falls exhausted to the ground and the sound of the snow crunching beneath his body fills his frozen ears. He gasps as the cold seeps through his clothes. He can’t stop his teeth from chattering hopelessly and his shoulders begin to shake as well.

“Oooooo,” he groans, shifting on the cold ground. “Noooo…” His attempted moan escapes as only a whisper. He can hear the sound of nearby cars driving by and he lifts an arm uselessly. ”...Help!” he croaks quietly.

His leg aches terribly. It feels as though a knife is piercing through his skin and his muscles and—oh! The pain is unbearable! His ears are ringing.

Tom pulls off his gloves and stares at his red hands in shock. Weakly he begins to rub them together to stimulate some heat but he is unsuccessful. As a last desperate hope he shoves his hands under his armpits. He is finally greeted by a sliver of warmth, and he shivers in relief.

But it won’t be enough if he is left alone too much longer.