Cold.
That was all she could feel.
The snow beneath her was like sharp needles, stabbing through the thin layer of cloth she lay on.
Her small body refused to move, no matter how much she willed it.
Her breath was shallow, barely forming a mist in the frigid air.
Her eyes, half-lidded and dull, stared hazily at the gray sky.
'I'm sorry…'
The thought echoed quietly in her fragile mind.
'I'm sorry, sister… I shouldn't have fallen ill.'
Her body felt heavy, like it was sinking into the snow.
She could feel nothing, yet everything hurt.
The cold gnawed at her skin, creeping into her bones.
She couldn't even lift her hand to wipe the frozen tears on her cheeks.
But she could see her.
Her older sister.
Dragging the worn cloth with trembling hands, sobbing as she cried out for help.
"Please! Please save my mother and sister! The Goddess Agastasa will bless you!"