After several gloomy days, snowflakes finally began to drift down from the sky this afternoon.
Xue Yue watched the snow fall harder and harder, growing worried enough to periodically check the courtyard gate.
"The snow is really coming down. What are you doing out here?" Mrs. He asked, standing in the doorway.
"Mom, He Lang went to town. With the snow falling this heavily, the roads are sure to be slippery."
Mrs. He came to the gate and glanced out. "It's fine. The third son often used to run to town in the winter. You should go back inside before you catch a cold."
Xue Yue nodded. "Okay. You should go back in too, Mom."
That evening, just as Xue Yue had finished making dinner, He Lang returned.
When He Lang came in, his hair was dusted with snow, he brought a chill with him, and he was carrying something in his hand.
"Here, wipe yourself off." Xue Yue handed He Lang a towel so he could brush the snow from his hair.
