A sweet cold wind came into the cave of lost souls. Inside, it was warm, a human warm because each shared the same pain. The cold wind travelled along her back, making her shiver. Her hands surrounded the still warm cup. The bar smelt cinnamon, cranberries and the burning hood into the fireplace. There was some jazz music in the background. There was a sweet and at the same time bitter smell of the various alcohols that the barman served to the lonely customers. Sitting at the bar, their gaze fixed the bottom of their glass, like if they could find what they were missing the most.

She, she was looking for nothing. She was alone, like every single day… She preferred to be out of home tonight, because even if she was used to be by her own, being alone during Christmas Eve, it was too much depressing. Outside, she could take advantage of what the others couldn't: the beauty of the city under the lights and decorations, the quiet streets. She finished her hot chocolate and put on her woolen jacket and her scarf. She smiled to the barman and left. It wasn't so cold outside, especially for a December in Iowa. She walked through the streets, warming herself up into her jacket.

At a corner, she heard a bell. She turned and stopped seeing Santa Claus, a bell in his right hand and a black cauldron decorated with branches of fir tree and holly. Santa Claus stopped the bell and looked at the young woman.

"Good evening, Sweetie. What are you doing outside for Christmas eve?"

She hesitated a moment and answered.

"Everybody doesn't have the chance to have people around to celebrate Christmas. Why this cauldron?"

"It's for the orphans."

She smiled. "It's soon midnight, Walter. Nobody would come, why waiting?"

"Christmas miracle, Katherine."

Behind the white beard, Kate guessed the bookseller's smile. She nodded and took out a bill from her pocket.

"I don't have any gift to offer. It will be more useful for you."

Kate went home after the last word of Santa Claus.

"Believe in miracles, Katie and Merry Christmas."

Kate pressed the 'play' button and the sweet melody of Coventry Carol invaded the living-room. She curled herself up on the sofa, a cup of eggnog in her hand. She wondered if miracles really existed. She had lived some. Being alive and free after all these years was a miracle. She sighed when the phone rang.

"Allo?"

"Good evening."

She smiled recognizing the familiar voice.

"Hey."

"It's gonna snow."

Kate smiled again. "Maybe in your world, but not mine."

He didn't answer.

"Let me guess…. You're on your sofa, a cup in your hand, listening to Christmas songs. You're wearing a red pull-over and your hair, as usual, is curly and undone.

"Hum… pretty good but you're going to be disappointed, my hair is flat and combed."

"Damnit."

"What do you think? I have to be pretty for Santa Claus."

"Be aware, he seems to be nice but he's not. He's a con man."

"Okay, I'll be aware."

"I've to go. Merry Christmas, Kate."

"Merry Christmas, Sawyer."

He hung down. No, it was not the Christmas miracle, just an habit they had since they were back. They saw each other, once a year, for Hugo's birthday but they called each other… quite often. Suddenly, something outside attracted her. She drew away the cover and walked to the window. She stayed frozen, surprised. Little flakes and then bigger ones spun in the air.

It's gonna snow, he had said. She smiled amused by the sweetness of the moment when someone knocked at the door.

"I'm coming!"

She opened the door and froze.

"Sawyer? But… What are you doing here?"

"I told you it was going to snow."

She nodded. "You didn't answer my question."

"I'm not used to do it."

She shook her head smiling.

"I thought we could… establish a new habit between us…"

"Really? Which one?"

He made a step forward and let his hand slip against her waist.

"Maybe we could spend Christmas together."

Kate didn't answer, letting him lead her closer. The music echoed in her head, the lights, the snow and the stars around them.

"What do you think?"

"I think you take your time…"

He smirked, showing off his dimples.

"Miracles exist. We just have to wait for them."

They agreed, and leading her even closer, he kissed her, under the mistletoe he had hung above the door, before his miracle he met eight years ago opened the door and she accepted her miracle.