Frishta dug her fingernails into his arm, making him afraid she would move it. "Don't try that one, Brian. You're as naked as the day you were born."

Brian commented, "so I am."

Frishta hugged him again, murmuring, "There, there. It's all right."

"Please be careful. What do you want?"

"What do you want?"

"We're getting nowhere."

"Where are we, then. Do you remember?"

Brian tried to remember. He decided to change the subject. "You must be careful not to move me, you know."

"I'll just hug you. Frishta's hug became a vice.

"I can't breathe."

"Sorry." Frishta relaxed her grip.

"Thanks." Frishta's breath became gelid against his ear. "Your breath is cold."

Frishta screamed, like sleet against his ear, "If it's not one thing it's another! I'll tell Sitvar!"

Brian became earnestly anxious. He spoke soothingly, "Please, please, calm down. You mustn't move me."

Frishta rested her chin gently on his shoulder. "I'll be careful, I promise." She began slowly to slide on hand over his chest and one down his back.