"What are you doing?" he implored. "The chill will reach its cold fingers into your heart. Please, put on your boots."

"Please!" we both said, each begging the other to be trusted.

He didn't know. I had no secrets from him but this.

I reached inside for the light, and there it was, as it had been since I was a girl no older than you are now.

"Kathleen," he pleaded, but then he stared, amazed. Dazzled.

The lights glowed all around, all colours just twinkling in the trees. Nico was very afraid, but more concerned for the woman and her child. The woman's husband said nothing. He coughed and coughed but spoke not a word.

We pressed on.