Miss, Do I Know You?

18 - Friday, December 18

The early morning air was crisp, and a blanket of snow glittered under the streetlights like diamond dust, bringing an actual winter alongside the low temperatures for the first time that year. Holiday season was nearly upon us, half of the school gone so quickly, and though I disliked the cold, I could not deny the beauty of that exact moment in time. 

I started the day with excitement, scurrying around the kitchen, trying to be as quiet as I could. And when I heard the door creak open at the end of the corridor, my spirits lifted even higher. A drowsy little boy emerged from the darkness of his room, padding down the corridor, hands brushing the sleep away from his eyes. His golden locks were a tangled mess, his t-shirt slightly askew, his eyes barely locking onto me as he walked up and gave me a rather large yawn.

"Good morning, sleepyhead." I knelt to his level and smiled. "Did I wake you?"

His head shook slowly in response, and it was clear he had only just woken up, his eyelids heavy and his awareness still foggy. He then opened his arms and looped them around my neck. We stayed like that for a few moments, and I had to resist the strong urge to hug him tightly. I had to admit, he was growing on me a little too much.

Remembering something Alex had mentioned last month, I put my hands on his shoulders and gently scurried him over to the window. And as soon as I opened the curtains, every ounce of sleep left him. His eyes lit up with joy I was sure only a child could fully express, his mouth turning to a radiant grin.

"Snow," he whispered in awe before looking up at me. "Can we go outside?"

"I don't know if we should, kiddo. Maybe when you go to school, okay?" I suggested, to which he nodded. But a part of me could not possibly say no to him. "Or maybe we can go on the balcony?"

The brightness that came onto his face was like the sun rising, brightening the room as he ran to the front door and grabbed his jacket. I helped him with the boots and gloves, and holding his hand, opened the balcony door for the winter air to greet us.

The darkness of the balcony was broken only by the shimmering snowflakes that fluttered from the sky, their chilly kisses melting on my face. Benji stretched out his little hand, determined to catch the snowflakes as they fell, and I helped him reach further. His love for the beauty of nature was palpable, and I prayed that life would continue to nurture that sense in him, keeping him as wholesome as he was. He was a sweet and gentle child. For him, happiness was simple—it was in his mom's hugs, it was in the rain and in the snow, in every bird, in every little animal, and in every small thing. What I'd give to see the world from his eyes, for he was such an innocent little soul.

When I saw the tip of Benji's nose turn a slight pink, I knew it was time to head indoors. "So, breakfast?" I said, rushing him inside. "What do you want?"

His blue eyes flitted around thoughtfully before a mischievous grin spread across his adorable face. "Candy?"

I shook my head in mock disapproval. "I'm not your mom, but I do have some common sense."

He snickered. "Ice cream?"

I gave him an exasperated look but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "One last chance."

"Pancakes?"

"Pancakes it is."

As I hastily set to work, Benji stood by my side and watched my every move with keen interest as he waited for his breakfast. I let him crack the eggs, and he seemed to take great pleasure in being a little helper. During the days I'd spent with her, Alex had been the one to make breakfast, and part of me savored the rare opportunity to do it myself. Him being there made it even better.