A Tree in the Snow

Windows are pretty. In winter they have the cold stuff on them and I can draw. I like to draw pictures of myself. I draw cats, my favorite animal. I also draw the birdies that I see. When it rains I press my hand to window and try to stop the drops from getting to the other side of my hand.

Today we are going to the store with Mommy and Daddy and big brother. It's cold today. Mommy says I have to wear my coat so I don't catch cold. That's funny! I try to catch raindrops but I never tried to catch cold. I wonder how.

Little houses blur past the windows. If I bring my fist close to my face, it's way bigger than the houses. That's funny too!

We drive into the spot with the playground. I sit up in my booster seat and kick my legs. I want to go there!

"It's too cold, sweetie." Mommy says.

I don't answer, a single tree stands in the park.

Why does that tree look familiar?

*Wintery wind whips at my cheeks, my hair. Each blow feels like I've been struck by a sharp blade. My face is red, I can't see it but I know. Stumbling with each step, I make my way up the hill, the snow catching at my feet, dropping me knee deep. Struggling, I pull myself onto the top of the hill, the world turning bluish-white before my eyes. I can't see. A single tree stands on the flat of the hill, it comes into focus, just barely. It's covered so thickly in white that it looks almost full. Full like the green leaves of summer, green and vibrant. I collapse, the cold snow biting into my skin and cushioning my fall. I keep my eyes on the tree. We are the same, just two things clinging to life in this barren winter. I let out a shuddering laugh, eventually it gains strength. I grows and grows and before I know it I am screaming. Staring at the twirls of snow that fall out of the stark gray sky.*

I blink. We are at the store. I hope we can buy yogurt. I like yogurt!

"C'mon sweetie. You dozed off."

I beam at Mommy, "Am I a sleepy little bunny?"

Mommy smiles, "Yes you are, sweetie!"

"Mommy?"

"Yes?"

"I think I had a dream."

"What was it about?"

"I can't remember. Can we get yogurt?"

"Sure."

"Yay!"