Long Description, Page 277
As Tommy shovels the snow away, Rina clasps her hands together in gratitude.
Rina: Thank you so much sir!
Tommy: Oh, it’s nothing. Name’s Tommy. My wife Helen and I live across the street. Where are you from?
Rina: The Philippines. My name is Rina.
Tommy: Well, I guess you’re new to winter, then!
Someone else approaches Rina and Tommy with a snow shovel in hand. It’s Michel.
Michel: Need some help there, Tommy?
Tommy: Hey Michel. Our new neighbour got herself stuck.
Rina, Tommy, and Michel work together to shovel the snow mound away and clear the driveway.
Rina: Thank you Mr … er, Tommy. And M-Michel …
Michel: C’est pas grave! It happens to all of us.
Tommy: Why don’t you and your husband come by this weekend and meet my wife Helen?
Later, when Rina is back inside the car and driving through the persistent snowfall, she thinks: Now … just take it nice and slow … and don’t crash …
Meanwhile, Rina’s husband is waiting for her outside the train station, arms crossed, shivering in the snowfall with waves of cold wafting off of him. His teeth are clenched and chattering. Snow piles on his shoulders, his backpack, the top of his head.
But that night, Rina and her husband are home again. Snow is still falling outside their window, but inside, by the warmth of the fireplace, they are huddled together on the couch, watching TV and enjoying a mug of something hot.