I settled into the warm embrace of my blankets. The chill winter’s wind tore at the outside of the house, yowling to be let in. Smiling, I tucked my blankets up under my chin and let out a happy sigh as the heater kicked on, puffing warm air into the bedroom. I could feel the warm body of my husband blocking the slight draft from the window, already asleep.

Shifting to get a little more comfortable, I yawned a slight grumble, jealous at how easily he fell asleep. It would be at least another 20 minutes before I…

I was suddenly shook awake. My eyes popped open to be greeted by the soft, round face of one of the sweetest little boys I’d ever seen. At first I assumed I must be dreaming of the child my husband and I never had - bright blue eyes contrasted sharply with the dark mop of curly hair atop his head. I smiled a little, but it quickly faded as I began to realize I was NOT asleep.

Bolting upright, I looked around the room to see if there was anyone else there, trying to figure out how this boy got in our house. My husband, who normally woke at my movements, was still deep asleep. I turned to the boy as I slung my feet out of the bed.

“Who are you? Are you alright?” Seeing no one else in the house, I had to assume this child was lost, and maybe I forgot to lock the front door. I looked a little more closely at him - he was maybe 6 years old, dressed in a nice blue polo shirt and a pair of small slacks. Not even a jacket! In this weather!

But he was also not wet. I frowned a little more, but didn’t move. I didn’t want to frighten him.

“Oh, no. I’m fine, Miss. I’m just here to help you.” He said and smiled a sweet, sunny smile. One of his front teeth were missing.

A confused look came over my face as I cocked my head at him, “Help me? Help me what? How did you get in here?”

He reached out for my hand, and I continued to stare at him. He looked so young, but some how seemed so old. Small, but comforting in some weird way.

“I’m here to help you cross, Miss. I’m so glad it wasn’t painful. I was really worried!” He held his hand out more insistently. I felt unable to control to urge to reach out and take it.

And so I did. His hand was warm and smooth. With a slight, encouraging tug, he urged me to stand, and I took one or two steps away from the bed.

“Oh! But Rog…” I started as I turned back to the bed, my words sticking in my throat as my eyes fell upon my own face.

My skin was cherry red, and body eerily still. The fact I was standing here looking at myself seemed difficult to grasp.

“I’m so sorry, Miss, but he can’t come right now.” He tugged my arm again, trying to get me to move.

“But… But… how? I… I’m not…” I couldn’t bring myself to say the word.

“The heater, Miss, you forgot to get it checked - the gas… I don’t remember what it’s called. I know your Mister is going to be okay though. He’ll feel a little bad, but the air from the window is enough. C’mon… let’s go!” He tugged again, grinning up at me with his cherub-like face.

I was terrified, but the warmth of that smile somehow soothed me. I let his insistent tugging carry me a few steps further forward, stopping to look over my shoulder again. The bed suddenly seemed so far away, and fuzzy to my eyes. I just hope my husband doesn’t blame himself… the child tugged again. I looked back at him, and despite myself found my lips curling in a smile. I let him lead me onward, the bed slowly fading into the distance.