"Not a shucking chance, Fluffy!" Thomas said, snickering. "You're the one who took your clothes off and dove in so it's your fault. I'd make sure you didn't turn into an ice cube but you're on your own when it comes to thawing out."

It as a playful lie, something he hoped Krem would understand as being a fib because, if Krem did get sick, Thomas would do his level best to help out.

"Besides, I'm no med-jack. I wouldn't know what to do to help."