Miracle

One.

I died.

    At the age of seven, I had died. On Christmas Eve of 2005, I died. From what I was told, I was diagnosed with a disease they hadn't found a cure for. My parents had kept it a secret. They secretly marked the days, secretly wondered how long they would have me for, secretly praying to whoever was listening to save me. Every birthday they blew out the candles with me, silently wishing for one more year. When doctors thought they had seen improvements, they gave my parents hope, foolish hope. Hope that was shattered Christmas Eve of 2005.

    It snowed that year, the first time since I was born. I don't remember much from that day, just that it had snowed and I was stuck inside. All I knew was that I was sick and told to stay indoors. Did they check on me? Did they have the day off? Was I home alone while they were working to pay for hospital fees?

    The laughter from outside woke me. My curiosity beckoned me to the window of my room. I stood there looking down at the kids my age playing. Watching as they threw the white powder in the air, listening to their laughter as it rained down on them. I remember thinking how nice it must be for them to play and not be sick. Would I ever be able to play in the snow?

    My sigh caused the window to fog, I lifted my fingers and drew an outline of a snowman. My attention moving away from the window to the toys and figures lined on my windowsill. A snow globe sitting in the middle. Picking it up, I moved back to my bed and sat there watching as the fake snow swirled around and settled near the figures in the globe. After awhile I laid down, fighting against the sleep that threatened to take over. Huddling in the comforter for warmth, why did I feel so cold? The heavy pull of my eyelids closing, why am I so tired?

    A soft melody caused me to stir. The faint call of my name caused me to open my eyes. My room lights dim but bright enough to allow me to see. The moonlight poured in through my window, how long was I asleep? The winter breeze rushed in through my open window, causing me to sit up as a sweet melody drifted in. Watching as the fresh snow fell, the billboard across the street lit up. It's lights filling me with awe and curiosity as I stared in amazement.

    The faint whisper of my name caused me to look back to my closet. My closet door opening, what's happening? My sweater being pulled from my closet, who's there? Carefully making it's way over, I slip my arms through the sleeves, why am I not afraid? A white pair of earmuffs placed gently on my head, Thank you. Sitting down, I slide my feet into my slippers before standing. The gentle whisper of my name calling for me as my room door opened.

    Wandering through the quiet and dim hallway to the staircase, why is it so silent? Taking a few steps down, the faint sound of a snap. The lights magically flicker on, you're still here? Whispers for me to glance to the dining room, a teacup being lifted yet no sign of anyone. There you are, why can't I see you? A few more steps and I'm standing near the front door, a faint breeze brushes by. You walked past me, didn't you?

    The front door opens, yet again the sweetest whisper beckoning me. As I step outside, I expect the frosted air to nip against my exposed skin yet I felt nothing except the slightlest tingle of warmth. The snow gently falling, a flicker of street lamps to the side caught my attention. Footprints appearing as I look, should I be afraid? I watch as the prints leave a trail and lightly kick up snow as they slide, are you dancing in the snow?

    Another set of street lights flicker to life causing me to turn. I watch as another set of footprints appear against the fresh snow, how many of you are there? I smile as snow falls, taking away my attention. I hold my hands out, smiling as the falling snow kisses against my palms before dissolving away. Spinning slowly as I stare up into the starry night, are you spinning with me?

    Again the soft call of my name stops me, glancing at the side street I hear it again. Are you there? I glance near a trash bin, frames from old pictures lying there. The frames shuffle softly before one of the photos are leaned upright against a store wall, do you want me to look at it? Snow that had collected was brushed away as I walked over. Kneeling down, I stare at the photo of a winter woods. A man in white and tan emerging from the trees, is he your friend?

    He sweetly calls out my name, beckoning me through the frame. I lean forward slowly before reaching out, can I join you? Hesitantly I crawl forward, slowly entering the painting and glancing around, is this a dream? I stand and listen, his soft whisper of my name leading me forward. The soft melody still in the background comforting me as I walk towards him. He lifts a low hanging branch as I walk forward, where are we going?

    I walk ahead, glancing around the winter scenery. Everything covered in the soft white powder, glistening against the moonlight and lights that lit the path I walked. I struggled slightly as I reached an incline. A hand extended out towards me causes me to pause to glance up. He smiled softly and reassuringly before nodding, as if to say it was alright. I smiled back before taking his hand, allowing him to lead me.

    He leads me to a snowy clearing, I glance around as one by one they emerge. There were seven of you? Each of them softly smiled as I glanced at their faces. One of them taps against my earmuffs, so it was you. Another stroking their hand softly against my hair. I glanced at another, his smile soft as our eyes met before he motioned to the sky.

    The moon full and the stars twinkling brightly, I've never seen a night so clear. I stare up in amazement before glancing at everyone. Their gazes cast to the sky, watching the stars. I smile before glancing back at the moon, the glow fading slightly as I yawn, my eyelids drooping slightly.

I feel a pair of arms gently pick me up, cradling me. Leaning my head against his chest, I glance at him as my vision blurs slightly. The soft smile of his slowly fading, his gaze locking with mine. Lifting my hand, I drag my finger over the two little moles above his eye. His hand gently taking mine and pulling me close before my eyes close and the world slips away.

~~~