Winter Spirit

Frozen Horn is extremely frigid, but the atmosphere is still festive as you approach the Glacia Archives.

Inside stands Thimble, serving hot chocolate to a line of visitors. Only a few people join after you.

When it’s your turn, she smiles happily at you.

“Happy Winter! I hope you enjoy your hot chocolate!”

She seems wildly different from the shrinking, panicked way she acted in the Ouchies, Ouchies, Go Away! clinic…

Suddenly, though, she is shrinking again.

“O-oh, Doctor McBizzarolli, I… I didn’t expect to see you…”

“Well, you did miss our follow-up appointment. I had to make sure you weren’t dead or something.”

“Oh- I- it- it just slipped my mind…”

“Always does for people who are afraid of needles…”

The doctor shakes her head, looking annoyed.

“Look, Iola cares about you, and I care about not having big spreader events.”

“So, I’ve looked up your doctor here, and talked to them.”

“What?”

“They’ll make sure to have nasal vaccines early for you next year. Don’t let this happen again.”

There’s something… chilling about the way she says that, and Thimble gulps.

“It won’t! I promise! I’m sorry!”

“There you go, it’s not that hard! Always talk to your doctor if you’re afraid of a health procedure, don’t just go without!”

“Thanks for the hot chocolate!”

She strolls out of the archives, and after a moment, Thimble buries her face in her hands.

“How do I tell my doctor I’m not scared of shots, just her…?”

She shudders, but manages to lower her hands.

“At least there weren’t a lot of people for that… Don’t want to spoil the festivities…”