@iicecoldelsa // “Oh, you’re trembling.” The subway entrance is chilly. So chilly, in fact, that the subway is shut down. And pedestrians are milling about trying to catch cabs and taxis. Gertrude isn’t one of them. She’s had been walking to her apartment past this particular stop. The snow seems to increase with each passing minute, and she worried, apparently, about those above the station. It is so unnaturally cold.
Maybe it’s the wind tunnelling effect. Maybe it’s the intense chill that comes with these brisk January days. Gertrude herself is bundled up in layers of wool coats and a sweet scarf and woollen gloves. Her glasses are fogging up with the cold and wind. And she’s looking right at Elsa with kind, concerned eyes. “Aren’t you cold today? It’s record lows, you know. And you’re in a jacket and gloves. Can I offer you some tea, or coffee. And you can warm up by the fire? Then I can call you a cab for your way home. No sense now. The streets are stagnant.”
Gertrude looks a little closer, a look of concern that is not quite unnerving. “Oh... your jaw isn’t tense? Are you not... cold? Or are you more tense about...?” She trails off a bit before catching herself. “Oh, I’m sorry to pry. I just hate to see a young lady alone in this weather. The invitation for coffee or tea is still open. Or... do you like hot chocolate? I’m very good at making that, I think?”