"That-- that's different, it's not-- you're not-- I made a mistake."

Her shaking voice firms as she latches onto the idea with the same desperate strength that's becoming evident in the slowly tightening grip on his arm.

Her smile is as brittle and fragile as the curve of a glass globe.

"Everything's going to be all right now, Gabriel. You'll see. I'll take care of you, and you'll get better, and then--"

It's snowing harder now. Virginia doesn't seem to notice.