By evening, however, the "thief" had finished its work. Even though Emin sat right next to the roaring fireplace, he couldn't stop shivering. His head began to throb, and a deep chill settled into his bones that no amount of hot tea could chase away.
Baba Kerim shook his head with a knowing smile. "My boy, remember what we say: Soyuq adama ayaq tərəfdən gəlir. The cold is a thief. It doesn't climb through the window you’ve locked; it creeps in through the crack under the door." Soyuq Adama Ayaq Terefden Gelir
Baba Kerim brought over a basin of hot water mixed with mountain herbs. As Emin soaked his frozen feet, the warmth slowly began to travel upward, thawing his shivering frame. By evening, however, the "thief" had finished its work
Emin didn't listen. He spent the afternoon sliding on the thin ice of the riverbank. His coat kept his torso toasty, and his hat kept his head warm, but the damp cold of the riverbank seeped steadily through his thin shoes. At first, his toes felt numb, then tingly, but he ignored it because his heart was still pumping warm blood. Baba Kerim shook his head with a knowing smile
"Emin," the old man called out, "put on your boots and your heavy socks before you go out to the stream."