Nivritti could not lower her head as Young-Chul's palms kept it in its place. So, she just lowered her eyelids. Tears started streaming all over Young-Chul's hands.
"No, no," her voice broke. "I was not doing what you think I was. I am not an idiot. I was just trying to numb the pain." She sniffled and continued, "the cold helps with that."
"Oh, you silly, silly girl!" he removed his hands, warmed them up with his breath, and again applied the heat on her face. Not that she needed it now. Her tears were enough to warm her cheeks. "I am here, whatever is troubling you, you know you can talk to me. Instead of walking angry and anxious, why didn't you talk to me? You and I both know that talking helps."
Even though Young-Chul's hands had covered her cheeks, she covered her eyes with her hand and kept sobbing. She didn't want him to look at her crying. She didn't want anyone else to hear her sobs. He let her cry for minutes constantly warming her face.
