Kate's mind was reeling. She emerged from the dark room to find her world topsy-turvy. She was pensive and sat up in bed, aided by pillows. Her skin was still flushed from Jack's arms being wrapped under her knees and around her back. His hands rested gently on her, leaving invisible, indelible marks. It had been so long. She clasped the covers and pulled them up to her chest. He's here. She covered her eyes with her fingertips and massaged them slowly. Her mind was sluggish, slow to yield questions.

How did he get here? She bit her thumb pad hard as she contemplated. Was he really sober and spending time with Aaron or was this just another fever dream?

Over the years, Kate had tucked away her feelings about Jack. It was a survival mechanism to help her function and, more importantly, to provide Aaron with a stable home. Failing her son was not an option.

The sealed box inside her chest threatened to spill over. It contained sorrow, disappointment, and pain from utter loss - losing Jack. She was convinced he would never put her or their relationship first. There would always be something more important to him. Yet she still loved him deeply. Sure, she tried dating but eventually gave up. She compared other men to him and each fell short. There was no instant familiarity, much less the ability to connect on all levels. Or communication without words. Jack ruined her for anyone else. It was him or nobody. She didn't relish being single, but had been most of her adult life.

Kate became resigned. Her life revolved around raising Aaron, setting up or hosting playdates, volunteering at school, taking him to activities and adjusting to his needs as he got older. Aaron anchored her to life and gave it meaning. Her son was the reason she stopped running and put down roots after they were rescued. He did something no man could at the tender age of 2 months: he retired her running shoes. It was something she willingly sacrificed. Aaron altered her perspective and matured Kate. His needs came first.

The only thing missing was Jack. He was a phantom pain, a part of her cruelly ripped away. The ache reminded her of their plans: marriage, more children and growing old together. It all was obliterated when he turned his back, walked out their front door and let addiction consume him. Hope flickered and died. The left side of the bed mirrored her heart: empty and cold. Wiped out. Erased. Like the island and the other Oceanic 815 survivors including Claire. It was just her, Aaron and their make-shift family consisting of Sam and friends.

Ten years ago, after they were rescued, Kate held on to hope Aaron's biological mom would turn up. Claire was a close friend. But it faded as the years passed. Friends left behind on the mysterious island were either dead or gone. Grief for them was sealed in a separate compartment in her heart. Kate wouldn't allow despair to take over. She committed her life to raising Aaron and planned to tell him about Claire when he was ready. She wasn't going to let him feel betrayed like she did at age 24. She discovered her low-life step-dad, Wayne, was her biological father. The thing that tipped her off was an old photograph of Diane. She was 4 months pregnant while Sam was deployed in Korea. He had been gone almost a year.

For Aaron's sake and Claire's, she tried to reach Claire's mother when he was three. Carole Littleton had shown up at Christian Shephard's memorial service when Aaron was 10 months old. Kate was struggling with "The Lie" after Jack left them. Enough time had passed with no sign of or threats from Charles Widmore. Kate banked on Carole's love for Claire to maintain secrecy and protect Aaron. She was devastated when she received the news. Carole Littleton had passed away from an aneurysm. She died without knowing she had a grandson. Kate tucked regret away, knowing it would eat at her if she dwelled it. The less there was of her, the less she had to give Aaron.

Tears dampened her cheeks. She wiped them hastily with her pajama sleeves, determined not to cry in front of Sam.

The door swung open. Sam entered balancing a food tray. "Katie?" He took in her small form and noted her red eyes. "What's wrong?"

Kate's lungs tightened as if in a vice. She drew in a breath and counted to five in an attempt to maintain control.

"Honey? What's going on?" Sam sat down on a chair next to the bed.

"Nothing, Dad. I'm fine." Kate gave him a wisp of a smile as she wrestled to mask her inner struggle. His blue eyes examined hers skeptically. She spoke again in an attempt to convince him. Her voice was gravely. "Really. I'm okay, Dad. Just tired."

Sam sighed heavily. He knew she wasn't "okay" but didn't know if it was the flu or Jack's presence. "Here." He draped a clean dish towel over her lap. She straightened out her legs under the covers so he could place the tray in her lap. "I know you're wondering why Jack's here. What's the last thing you remember?"

Kate sucked on her bottom lip, trying to recall. Her eyes skimmed over the broth and pan-crisped bread. "We were on the plane." Images came to mind. The shock of Jack's hand under her sweater while holding a stethoscope beneath her left breast. She narrowed her eyes recalling the awkward moment. And struggling to walk in the terminal. Her legs felt stiff and heavy when she exited the plane with Aaron. "Not much else."

Sam patted her right forearm. "Eat, honey."

She reluctantly picked up the spoon and began to sip broth. It was warm and quenched her parched throat. She waited expectantly for him to begin.

Sam cleared his throat and leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. She caught a faint smell of English Leather - the same aftershave he used as long as she could remember. "You were sick with a high fever, Katie. Jack said it was a bad case of the flu. He carried you to the baggage claim when you collapsed. I would've been searching everywhere for you and Aaron if it wasn't for him." He shook his head. "You sure know how to scare a fella. Three to be exact."

His daughter looked pale and small in his eyes. The last time he nursed her through an illness was when she was 4 years-old. A virus and ear infection was running rampant among children in army base housing. He tried coaxing her with her favorite dessert, popsicles, while she was curled up in tiny ball. Her tiny hand was clamped over her ear, deaf to his entreaties while damp ringlets clung to her forehead and neck. He felt helpless as his baby girl stared passively at the frozen treat. Her glassy, green eyes remained fixed as it melted, leaving only a sticky pool of artificially colored liquid behind.

He continued, grateful her fever broke. "Jack's connecting flight was cancelled with the blizzard coming in. All flights were. Aaron begged for him to come back with us, honey. I couldn't leave a man behind, regardless of what's going on with you two. You know that." There was a lull as he looked at his calloused palms, fingers interlaced, then back to his daughter. "You should've seen Aaron's face. I didn't have the heart to tell him no. Jack refused, but I insisted. It was the right thing to do. He's been taking care of you since we came home."

Kate ripped off a piece of bread and dipped it in the broth. A burst of muffled laughter came from the other room. Her eyes lingered on the door before meeting Sam's. He waited patiently for her response, one she wasn't ready to give yet. Her throat was dry and irritated. She sucked the broth from the dampened bread before eating it. "Jack's been taking care of me?"

Sam shifted uncomfortably. His lower back was aching again, but it was more than that. He wasn't sure how his daughter would react. "He's been checking on you regularly, taking your temperature, giving you Tylenol, and keeping cold cloths on your head." He paused long enough for her to take another bite. "And I gave him permission to give you a cold bath. To get your fever down."

Kate began to cough. Remnants of a piece of bread she swallowed lodged in her windpipe. She bent forward while her body tried to dislodge it. Sam hit her back firmly and waited for her to breathe before placing a glass of water into her hand. Kate's face and neck were flushed pink at the thought. "He what?"

"It's an old-fashioned remedy. We had to do something, Katie. The blizzard shut down the highways and I wasn't going to…" He sat up straight. Whether she liked it or not, it worked. "He's been a gentleman. Don't think I haven't been watching him, young lady."

Kate nodded slowly, knowing how protective Sam could be even though she was an adult. She wasn't going to argue. Jack knew every inch of her body sans clothes. But talking about it with her father was embarrassing. It made her blush briefly, but was quickly replaced by a more pressing concern. "What about Aaron? Is he doing okay?"

Sam leaned back in the chair, partly in relief Kate moved on to another subject. His eyes softened and the corners of his lips turned up in amusement. "He's been following Jack around like a puppy dog starved for attention. He helped Jack stack firewood. Jack played in the snow with him afterwards." He hesitated, not wanting to tax Kate, especially with her convalescing. "Jack seems like a decent man. He cares about Aaron … About both of you." He drew in a breath before continuing. "I know you two aren't together, but I hope you think about what's best for the boy. A child should be able to see his or her father." Sam's thoughts had turned inwards. When he spoke, there was more emotion than the situation called for. He still bore regret over not trying to get custody of Kate or requesting a permanent assignment in the states. He blamed himself in part for the path her life took before the plane crash. Running from the law three years was bad enough. But thinking she was dead for over three months was a rude wake-up call. Blood or not, she would always be his baby girl. Katie should have been his priority and he failed her.

Sam's assumption of Aaron's paternity caused her to gasp slightly and cough again. Her father waited until the fit passed. "Let's wait until you're done eating, honey." She shook her head in refusal and grabbed the water, gulping down enough to wash away the irritants.

Sam continued on, his voice colored with feeling. "I'm so proud of you, Katie. You're a great woman and mother. You'll make the right decision." Sam looked away a moment, his blue eyes watering. He'd leave it to her, confident she'd do the right thing. She'd do anything for his grandson's well-being. When he felt composed, a fond smile lit up his face. "Aaron's acting like Christmas came early. They've been playing checkers. Jack's really patient with him and has been helping me. He chopped at least two weeks' worth of firewood this morning." He patted her knee. "Finish your supper. A shower and rest will help you feel better. And I don't want you wandering around the cabin until you have your land legs."

She finished in relative silence. It was punctuated by a few comments from Sam, followed by brief responses from her. But her mind was a million miles away. Sam took the tray after leaving towels in the bathroom.

Kate slid out of bed and opened her suitcase. She grabbed her toiletry bag and a fresh pair of pajamas and turned in a hurry. Her foot caught on the edge of a thick rug her brain didn't register in time, causing her to fall face-first with barely enough time to put her hands up.

Kate was motionless wondering what the hell happened. Her cheek rested against the floor for a few seconds until she heard the footsteps. It sounded like a stampede. Dammit! Dammit! Dammit! She rapped her forehead on the floor a few times in frustration. Kate managed to get on her hands and knees by the time the door swung open. Jack reached her first, followed closely by Sam. Aaron stood in the doorway.

A naked, cold bath she didn't remember and now a face-plant. Her humiliation was now complete.

"Aaron, stay there," Sam said firmly. "We'll take care of your mom."

Jack reached her first and searched her face. Her eyes darted away, her face a deep crimson at being so clumsy. He quickly examined her hands and arms asking if she had pain, his warm brown eyes concerned. Kate's heart rate accelerated. This wasn't real. It couldn't be. He did the same with her ankles until she spoke. "Stop. Please."

Jack froze, his hand on her calf. Her voice softened. "Please, Jack. I tripped. It's nothing." She covered her face while speaking, still mortified.

The pain wasn't physical. She had to get away. Kate was about to bawl and wanted to hide in the shower. She didn't want to break down in front of them, especially Aaron. She had to be strong and didn't notice Sam had ushered Aaron out of the room. A few tears escaped her covered eyes and fell onto the floor.

"Kate…"

She looked up at him, searching his dark, brown eyes, not knowing or trusting how long this would last. Was she still in the throes of a fever? This couldn't be happening. "Jack…" Her voice cracked. Her eyes drank him in piteously. It was too much to hope for. She tried desperately to hold it together.

He was kneeling in front of her, his forehead wrinkled in concern. He sighed and cupped her small shoulders to comfort her. An old, familiar gesture he performed without thinking when she said his name. The emotion in her eyes caused his chest to tighten.

She dropped her head and wiped her face, furious at herself. But his gentle touch was the straw that caused her to snap. The pain wrapped around her heart released a small sob. She covered her mouth to silence it. Her green eyes were a well of sorrow with tired shadows underneath.

"Kate, what's wrong? What do you need?" Jack figured his presence was making her uncomfortable. Did she want him to go? Despite the discomfort between them, he couldn't leave until he knew she was okay.

"I just want to shower." Kate's voice was small, teary voice. Jack would have found her answer endearing. But there were things left unsaid and too much history between them.

He stood and drew her up with him, his hands under her elbows to helping her stand. They were inches apart. He searched her face, wanting nothing more than to surround her with his arms and press her against his chest.

Instead, they stood at an impasse. It was reminiscent the dozens of missed cues and opportunities in the past, mainly on the island. It was his fault because he was blind to what was most important. Now it was standing here in front of him again. He sighed audibly, certain he was the source of her distress. "Kate, I didn't mean to upset you. I'm leaving when the highway reopens."

His hands fell gently away from her arms. Kate's gaze was transfixed on the rug beneath her feet. She startled when she lifted her head to respond, only to find she was alone in the room.

Kate went into the bathroom, turned on the shower, and peeled sweat-ridden pajamas off of her lean body while the water heated. She stepped in when steam began to spread across the edges of the mirror. Her face tipped up towards the spray, allowing the water to course down her body and through her hair.

Tears fell, blending with drops of water and circled quickly down the drain. She wasn't angry he was there. Sam was right to bring him back. And Jack took care of her. Of course he did. He's a doctor. She tried to resist burgeoning hope. It threatened to rip open old wounds. She didn't think she'd survive having and losing him again.

Kate knew Jack was weighed down by his demons when he walked out of her house seven years ago. He wasn't willing to talk it out with her. He didn't fight for sobriety or for them to be a couple and family. Did he finally find a reason? Another woman? Her face fell at the thought of Jack with someone else.

If Jack wanted to see Aaron and Aaron wanted to see him, she would allow it. She sat down in the shower and hugged her knees to her chest. It would be a good thing, especially with him sober. So why did she feel so miserable?

Aaron was bristling with excitement at the prospect of cutting down a real, live Christmas tree. His mom had an artificial, pre-lit tree they assembled the day after Thanksgiving. It was a tradition, decorating it while listening to Christmas carols and wrapping garland and lights around the stairwell bannisters. They usually drank hot cocoa, popped popcorn and watch "Rudolph" on DVD afterwards with only tree lights illuminating the living room.

Nothing had changed over the years except the movie. Aaron loved "Elf," especially the elves' 4 main food groups: Candy, candy corn, candy canes and syrup. He tried to convince his mom to let him try syrup on spaghetti. She finally yielded with a small bowl. Aaron discreetly dumped it into the garbage when she left the room.

Their artificial tree was at home, fully decorated, but dark this year.

He watched his grandpa load blankets and a large tooth saw into the back of the Jeep Cherokee. Sam placed a few coils of rope in after with a bowie knife in a sheath.

"Can I hold the knife for you on the way, Grandpa? Please?" It was bigger and better than the knives at the store. "Mom wouldn't let me have one for hunting. It's to kill deer."

Sam turned to face Aaron. Enthusiasm poured off of him. So much he couldn't hold still, his blue eyes fastened on the bowie knife. Sam's pressed his lips together, trying not to squash his grandson's good mood. Over-eager children and sharp tools spelled trouble. "No, Aaron. Your mom was right to not buy one. You need to learn knife safety first." He raised a greying brow at the boy. "And we don't kill animals with knives."

Aaron's face fell slightly. But he knew better than to badger his grandpa. No meant no.

"I might show you how to saw. But you have to be a good listener and do exactly as I tell you." Sam closed the back hatch of the SUV. The motor was running and vehicle windows were defrosted. A few more inches of snow fell overnight but it was powder. It was enough to fill in footprints dotting the front yard. The pure, untouched landscape glistened like millions of minute crystals in the sunlight.

Aaron whooped and threw his arms around Sam's waist, making him grin. He patted his back a few moments before sending him on. "Go on, Scout. Get your Mom. We're loaded up. All we need is passengers."

Aaron turned away and practically skipped through the garage to the kitchen entry door. He took off his boots quickly and ran inside.

Kate was dressed warmly in layers. A long-sleeved climate tee was underneath her sweater. She also wore thick, fleece leggings. She was still on the mend but wouldn't own up to being tired. Wild horses couldn't drag her away from Aaron's first time getting a real Christmas tree. She could already smell the pine needles.

It evoked a memory of her childhood. Sam would bring a Christmas tree home, dragging it in from the cold. Her mom would fuss, saying it was too tall for the room. Her dad always picked the perfect size and put Kate on his shoulders to position the angel at the top as the finishing touch. A nostalgic smile lit her face as she put on her hat and scarf. She padded into the living room in search of her coat and boots and came across Jack.

Breakfast was more comfortable than she anticipated. The conversation flowed thanks to Aaron's many questions directed at Sam and Jack. She was quiet at times and watched Jack secretly when he wasn't looking. He seemed so … normal. There were quiet moments, slight lulls when she and Jack would make eye contact. Each time, something was quietly exchanged between them. Questions. Curiosity. So many unsaid things. She caught a hint of remorse from him. He was across the oak table, but felt far away. Out of reach in the presence of her family. As if the damn glass wall at Hydra Station was between them again with cameras monitoring every word and gesture.

He turned, sensing her presence. She picked up her boots and sat in a chair while he watched her, tying his laces without looking. She returned the pleasant smile spreading across Jack's face and thought she should say something to dissipate any discomfort on his part.

"Jack, I…"

"Kate, I…"

They both laughed briefly. She paused to give him her full attention. He gestured for her to talk but she shook her head. "Go on."

"Kate, this wasn't planned. I hope you aren't uncomfortable with me … with my being here. I'll leave when the roads are clear." His voice was sincere but throat constricted tightly. He hadn't felt this relaxed and a part of something, hell, anything, for a long time. The prospect of an empty condo and continuing his Friday night routine soon wasn't appealing.

For once, he didn't have the compulsion do fly over the Pacific. It was never fulfilling, just something he did over and over. A hollow goal to help him make it through another week. Fly. Hope the plane crashes. Hit the airport bar after arrival. Toss back a few drinks until his return flight boarded. Fly. Hope the plane crashes. And arrive back in LAX to drink more to numb his pain and emptiness.

She sobered slight. "Oh." Her voice was small at first. "Thank you for everything. For helping Aaron and me. He loves having you here." She blushed slightly, but continued. "And for the bath." She unzipped a boot and pulled it on while giving him a side-glance. "Dad said you had your hands full." She tried to inject humor, despite an undercurrent tugging at her. It bothered her when he said he was leaving. She bit her lip bottom lip and reached for the second boot.

Jack studied her while trying not to stare. She was still pale but beautiful. She wore a knit, cream hat with a fuzzy ball on top and ear flaps. A far cry from island wear. Or California except rainy, winter days.

He suddenly wished he had taken Kate and Aaron to the family cabin in Lake Tahoe. What the hell was he waiting for back then? He closed his eyes and rubbed his lids with his thumb and forefinger, trying to focus on what she said. The bath. He looked over, his eyes glinting mischievously. "I was afraid Sam was going to shoot me. You thought I was drowning you and fought like hell."

A deep chuckle erupted unexpectedly from Kate. She started laughing, then couldn't stop. Jack joined her. It struck her as funny. "I'd say sorry but…" She shrugged and continued to laugh until tears began to form at the corners of her eyes.

He laughed with her. She gave him a heck of a time, a bruised temple and doused him with cold water in the process. But she wouldn't be Kate if she went along quietly. She and Jack both looked at each other, the tension dissipating. Both took in a deep breath simultaneously.

"Mom! Jack! Grandpa said it's time to go." Aaron came flying in. He paused a moment, noting the mirrored grins on Jack and Kate's faces. "What are you laughing about?"

Kate wiped her eyes quickly and secured second boot. "Nothing, Goober. I guess I wasn't myself when I was sick, huh?"

Jack stood quickly and grabbed her coat off the wall rack, sparing her the walk. He handed it over to Kate, who rewarded him with an appreciative glance.

"No, you weren't." Aaron agreed. "You were talking about Mars and smoke monsters. It was kind of scary. Jack said it was the fever."

Kate's eyes grew round and darted to Jack's. Did I say anything else about the island? Jack shook his head slightly, as if to answer her. His face was reassuring. He took care of it. She gave an almost imperceptible nod in relief.

"He's right. Fevers can make people have strange dreams." Kate tugged on Aaron's hat, which had listed sideways. "Let's go before Grandpa comes after us. He'll think we got lost on the way out." She winked at her son and felt Jack gently take her coat, hold it for her to put on. She stuck her arms in the sleeves and paused before pulling her long, spiral curls out of the collar. "Thanks," she murmured, not knowing Jack barely stopped himself in time from doing the same thing - freeing her silky, brown curls from the coat. He blinked hard and shook his head slightly before following them out into the blinding sunlight.

Sam drove to a nearby lake. It was at the edge of his property, but he had to circle around with the Jeep on the small road to haul it back. Otherwise, it would be an uphill battle. Aaron clambered out, whooping as soon as the SUV stopped. He flopped back-first into a mound of deep snow and made a snow angel. His cheeks were bright pink and eyes a vivid blue. Kate snapped a few pictures of him with her phone, grateful it had a good camera.

Sam and Jack walked around the trees and discussed size and merit. Kate gazed at the pines surrounding them, the frozen lake in the distance and mountains. Some towered over them. They encircled the water like silent sentinels. The cold air was clean and invigorating, opening her senses. She spotted some deer tracks weaving through the trees. They were moving in small groups.

"Kate! Over here!" Sam called out to his daughter. She followed in their footsteps which cut through the snow to keep it from cresting over and into her boots. Sam and Jack stood by one tree in particular. Aaron was holding Jack's hand and beaming.

Kate closed in and craned her neck to look up. Sam smiled at his petite daughter's skeptical expression. It reminded him slightly of Diane. "Are you sure it will fit in the cabin?"

Sam stifled a grin. "The living room is 15 feet high at the apex, Peanut. We have plenty of room. This one will be close to 8 feet when cut. If you approve." Kate rubbed her gloved hands together to keep warm while circling the tree. She inspected it for gaps, bare spots, sagging or brown branches, an indicator of disease. This one was full and robust. She smothered her smile at three sets of footprints that obviously circled the tree before she did. The sight of it amused her.

Sam's asking her opinion was a courtesy and attempt to keep her involved. He always knew which one to pick. "It looks good, Dad." She felt small arms encircle her waist.

"Grandpa said he'll give it a good shake before cutting it down. To make sure there's no birds or small animals, like Chip and Dale." Aaron grinned at her before chasing after the men. He jumped with both feet together in Jack's large footprints. She pulled out her phone and secretly took another picture.

Kate sat on the Jeep bumper, watching while her dad and Jack worked in unison clearing lower branches before using the handsaw. It had an auxiliary handle. Only one person could use it. Her father let Aaron squat in front of him as he guided him in sawing, same as he did with Kate when she was little. Aaron gave up after a several tries but appeared satisfied. He made a snowball and threw it at a nearby tree while standing a safe distance from Sam, Jack and their soon-to-be Christmas tree. The tree fell slowly into the soft embrace of a bank of snow. Aaron clapped his gloves at the spectacle.

Kate found herself watching Jack again. He wore the rugged look well. He had shaved again and was wearing flannel under his coat. Combined with the jeans and work boots, his entire appearance made her flush and want more. She still dreamt about him. Sometimes she would wake in tears. Other time, she resented the intrusion of the real world, wanting only to slip back into the dream and nestle in his arms again. To wake and see the bed filled by his tall, muscular body while she soaked up the warmth of his bare skin against hers.

The brisk, mountain air brought color to Jack's face. His hair was flecked with gray around his temples under the hat; a distinctive look. She was lost in thought as they labored on without her help. Her father and Jack both insisted that she rest.

Sam held green, mesh netting the tree would slip into like a sock. It would secure the branches for transport. "You got it?" He was impressed with Jack's willingness to jump in and help, no questions asked. He kept his thoughts to himself but sensed something passing between him and his daughter over breakfast. Kate's spirits seemed livelier and Aaron lit up like a lightning bug when Jack was around.

"Yes, sir." Jack held the trunk of the tree and dragged it through the opening. Sam tugged on the net, unrolling it as Jack walked forward dragging it through until the top was covered. Sam stood up and pulled filament rope out of his pocket to tie off both ends. He rubbed back absentmindedly.

Jack noticed the gesture. He didn't want to overstep boundaries, but the physician part of him spurred on the inquiry.

"How's your back? It looked like it was bothering you yesterday." Jack grabbed and lifted the bottom of the tree, intent on bearing most of the weight.

"Old age, son. My warranty's must have expired," Sam quipped. "You're a spinal surgeon. You know how it is."

Jack laughed with Sam politely. He was a spinal surgeon. He nodded slowly. "Yes. I do." His tone turned serious. "Let me know if I can do anything for you." He couldn't do much but meant it. Even if it was referring him to a good doctor. It wasn't as if Jack could treat him. His face fell for a fraction of a second. Technically, he couldn't treat him if he was his father-in-law. But the point was moot. He screwed that one up, same as his license to practice.

Jack scalp tingled. He had the distinct feeling Kate was watching him. He turned to see she was daydreaming, her green eyes unfocused but trained on him. He smiled warmly, his dimples flashing, before dragging the tree towards her. It slid easily in the snow.

"Let me get the other end." Sam insisted.

"I have it." Jack didn't want Sam to strain his back. "I could use the exercise."

Sam stopped and watched as Jack make a bee-line for his daughter. He gathered his tools and followed. He and Jack made quick work of securing the tree to the top of the SUV while Kate leaned against another one nearby, her thoughts elsewhere.

Sam clapped Jack's shoulder in approval. "I'll make a mountain man out of you yet, Jack," he declared, ignoring the roads would likely be passable by the next day. He informed Jack over coffee before Aaron woke up, knowing the boy would protest.

Suddenly, a thought struck him. It was quiet. Too quiet. He instinctively scanned the area for his grandson who was normally on Jack's heels. "Aaron?" he called out. There was no answer. Jack and Kate turned his way with a single question on their faces. Where did he go?

Aaron enjoyed sawing but it was rough and difficult. His short arms tired quickly. At first, he was sure he could take down the tree by himself, but it was hard to pull the saw in one direction. Grandpa Sam made it look easy. He was satisfied with letting him finish. He threw a few snowballs before wandering away, making tracks towards the sunlight where it was warmer. The taller pines cast large shadows, making it feel like he was standing in a freezer.

He spotted something moving above the snow. It was fuzzy and had long ears. Beyond it was the lake surrounded by trees. He envisioned himself skating across it, like Bambi and Thumper. He quietly approached the furry animal before it hopped, then hopped again towards the ice. It was a rabbit.

It's probably foraging. Aaron learned about it in school. Some animals, like bears, hibernated but others braved the cold and foraged in winter months. He had a packet of peanuts in his coat pocket from the airplane and pulled it out. He removed his gloves and set them down to rip the package open. He was sure it would like peanuts.

"Here, rabbit," he whispered. It stopped and turned, it's profile to Aaron. He was four yards away. The bunny twitched its nose before its ears shot up. It hopped again, but not quickly. Aaron tossed a few peanuts but it wasn't far enough. He looked around. He could barely see Jack or Sam through the pine branches. His mom was out of sight. Aaron turned and followed it, soundlessly stepping onto the ice. The large grey and white rabbit made one slow hop after another across the frozen lake. Aaron scattered a few more peanuts ahead of it after popping a few in his mouth, not noticing the hairline cracks silently forming under his feet on the cloudy, snow-covered surface.

He thought he heard his name but was closing in on the animal. Just a few more steps…

Jack lowered the tree and looked around. Kate's heart picked up speed. Maybe he wandered off. But Aaron was nowhere in sight. It wasn't like him to stray too far. "Aaron!" She called out, a tremor in her voice. "Jack!" He saw the building panic in her eyes and hoped it was for nothing; that Aaron was making a snowball pile or fort. But a gut feeling told him something was wrong. He went back to where he saw Aaron last. Kate was on his heels but short of breath. "Where is he?" All three adults surveyed the area.

Sam picked his trail. "Don't worry, honey. We'll find him. Looks like he went this way." They followed Sam through a small grove of trees and came across Aaron's gloves at the edge of the frozen lake. Nearing the center was Aaron, bending over slightly while focused on a large hare in front of him.

Kate snatched up his gloves and held them to her chest. "Aaron!" She called out and lunged to follow him but was stopped by Sam. "Katie, no." He shook his head, his eyes tracing Aaron's tracks and the exposed ice. He knew it might not hold an adult's weight. Katie's maybe, but he wasn't going to send his her out. She was still recovering. He'd go himself if he had to. He looked at Jack. "We have to get him quick." He unfastened a long coil of rope from an industrial carbine clip on his belt.

Sam stepped to the edge and called out in a calm voice. "Aaron. I need you to walk back slowly, Scout. You understand me? Slow. No running."

Aaron froze and swiveled, unaware he had an audience. He heard the rabbit scamper away and bound up on the opposite bank, leaving him alone in the middle. He squinted in the sunlight and shaded his eyes to see better. Mom, Jack and Grandpa were waiting for him. He nodded and took one step, then the next towards them. The ice was a little slippery, but his boots had good traction. Sam kept scanning the surface looking for clear ice to direct Aaron too - a sign it was frozen solid - but was met only with the milky, snow-covered surface. "That's right, Scout." He coaxed Aaron encouragingly. "Keep walking. You're doing great." He could feel tension radiating off his daughter, who stood next to him.

Aaron gave him a thumbs up and kept moving forward. He couldn't wait to tell Jack about the rabbit. He waved at Jack and his mom before taking another step, not noticing a chunk of ice jutting up from the surface. He tripped, falling on his hands and knees.

A large, cracking noise erupted around his body. The sound bounced off the trees and echoed across the lake. He looked at the ice beneath his hands as it split into dozens of pieces. Within seconds, he plunged head-first into a freezing, slushy abyss.