[c-curls up for about a minute after he finishes coughing, just trying to get his breathing even so he doesn't start again....

then he grabs a fistful of snow and scrubs his face with it, puts another handful in his mouth and lets it melt before swallowing it, to wash out his mouth and ease the burn in his throat.

briskly straightens his clothes and stands, clearly not intending to explain.]