-Second Chance-

Kagome winced, the wind slicing chilled skin.

Drawing her knees closer, she turned into the icy blast as it slid around her tree.

Blinking the tears away, her thoughts were drawn once more to the well, wishing an impossible dream.

Wishing for one last chance she let slip away when she returned…

"Kagome…"

She froze, soul aching at the voice, feeling a long empty heart clench in the agony of hope.

Slowly the woman turned, trembling, to face the figure perched on the branch near her.

Breath catching in her throat, she stretched a shaking hand out to touch his.