Warm hands turn him over. His eyes are frozen closed, and he moans softly at the touch. He is barely conscious as the hands pick him up and carry him…somewhere. He can occasionally make out some voices, but only snippets of conversation. He is drifting in and out of consciousness.

”....in the truck….hurt…....needs heat….”
”....him home…”
“I know!” This last comment is louder than the rest and his eyes flutter open and catch a glimpse of a girl….a beautiful girl. And then he is asleep again.

He awakens in water. Warm water. Someone is rubbing his arms with soapy hands. “Wha…?” he murmurs. The light is bright. Suddenly the lights dim and he is able to fully open his eyes.

Tom is astonished to find himself sitting in a white porcelain bathtub. He suddenly realizes something is touching his leg. No. Not just his leg, but his back as well. All at once the realization comes, and then he hears a voice speak into his ear from behind.

“Hello, Tom. Not to worry, I’ll keep you safe and warm.”