By Enrico Maso, translated into English by Ruth Stephens
Chapter 6 – The gloves
“Damn this cold, I can’t feel my fingers,” says Giulio.
“Here, take these gloves,” says Riccardo.
“What about you? Don’t you need them?”
“No problem,” replies Riccardo, “When we were in the shop Mattia kept going on about gloves and I mistakenly bought two pairs!”
“Well, thanks. I’m freezing!” says Giulio, weakly.
Meanwhile Mattia tries to light a fire. It’s not easy; the wood is frozen, the paper is damp and the matches won’t strike. But after several attempts he gets a small fire going.
“We’re lost, aren’t we?” says Riccardo, suddenly. Mattia doesn’t know how to respond. Riccardo is an insecure type and now he’s afraid. But the real problem is Giulio; he’s shivering in front of the fire and not speaking.
Mattia puts an arm around Riccardo’s shoulder. “Don’t think about where we are. Giulio might have a broken ankle. Look, he’s shivering. Let’s look for some dry wood.”
It’s becoming colder and now there’s a wind: a harsh wind that threatens to put the fire out and that whips the snow fiercely.
Mattia and Riccardo try everything to protect the fire but their efforts are useless. Finally, a strong gust of wind moves the branches of the fir tree and a pile of snow falls onto the fire.
Mattia lowers his head. Now they really are in trouble. Giulio is not looking good and Riccardo……
Hang on, where is Riccardo?
More?
Oppure scopri il testo in inglese con traduzione a fronte (.pdf) 