The whole family had been cursed since…

“The whole family had been cursed since the last winter,” Old Hedgin said as she limped along behind Carlos.

“No kidding,” he said, paying mild attention to her.  It was starting to slow, though very lightly, and the shawl he was pulling tightly around himself wasn’t going to be much protection.

“Yes indeed,” she replied.  “So if you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay away from that girl on the hill!  Her curse will bring ruin upon you!  Understand?”

Carlos wanted to turn to Old Hedgin and say that who he spent his time with was none of her business, but thought better of it.  She was quite elderly, after all, and he wouldn’t likely here the end of it from his mother if he disrespected an old woman so.  Instead, he turned and said, “Look, I’d rather not discuss this.  The snow’s coming and we both need to get home before we freeze to death.”