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There are not many people at the beach this morning. No wonder with the temperature below zero and the wind an icy slap in the face.
But that doesn’t hinder Ken to stand in the sand, his face lifted up towards the sun in the blue sky. He inhales the cold air, feels the pinching breeze on his cheeks and his nose feels so wonderfully cold – so cold that each breath makes his nostrils crackle from the frost.
It’s the most amazing feeling he can remember on his body. Okay, having Barbie in his arms in bed is still the best and NOTHING can top his exhilaration when she loves him… but this, this is a sensation that he can’t explain by all means.
“Do you think it is healthy what you do here?”
Barbie’s voice is muffled from the thick shawl that’s wrapped around her neck and covering half of her face. Her woollen cap is pulled down over her ears and almost her eyes, too. Ken smiles into the sun and his eyes are closed, so he can’t see her squinted glance.
“Oh Barbie, I have never felt more alive.”
“Uhm, are you sure?”
“Yes. I mean, have you ever seen the beach in this condition?”
“No. And to be honest, I would prefer to take a look out from a snuggly warm coffee shop.”
“But it’s the beach Barbie. The beach! Bathing in winter vibes and the waves slushing against the sand will keep it alive until the summer comes back.”
“You are right. The waters are impressive. That dark blue. Amazing.” Barbie states oddly. Ken nods and inhales another load of frosty air. Barbie takes a deep breath.
“It’s as blue just as are your arms and legs.”
“What?” Ken frowns, opens his eyes and squints against the sunlight, then turns to Barbie who is wrapped in a thick coat and her eyes roam his half naked body.
“I know you love the beach, Ken. But it might be wiser to put on some winter clothing to come here, despite the sand and vibes of summer in your veins.”
Only then does Ken notice his cold hands, arms, and legs, and his torso cold as an ice block makes it difficult for him to take another deep breath. His teeth start clattering and his sight gets blurry as his voice seems stuck in his throat.
“You…. mi-might… be ri-ri-ght…”
“I am right.” Barbie nods and pulls at his arm, tugging him back towards their van to get him into warm clothes.
“What … wou-would I do with-with-without… you?” Ken staggers, clinging to his girlfriend’s arm as his feet seem to give out beneath his stiff legs.
Barbie grins.
“You might die a little.”