They ran into the cottage shivering and laughing like children. Henri had protested the bath at first. Resisting the river’s pull. It looked strong with current. It was nearer to winter than summer and the water would freeze against their skin. Henri didn’t know how to swim. Yet when Cosimo extended his hand, Henri had taken it without thinking. As the fingers closed around his, he knew it would be okay.
Free of their mudded tunics and stockings, they stepped into the river barefoot. The cold was a shock seeping between Henri’s toes. He faltered. The water was too cold. Too swift. Henri would be dragged away. Cosimo kept walking, tugging firmly when Henri faltered. The river took his breath at first. So cold, it seemed to bite at the muscle beneath his skin. Swallowing him whole.
He kept
