The Snow Storm

             It all started when the snow began. It was the first snow that had hit Kentucky since my son was born. Five years old and he gets his first ever snow. Jake was confused, but his confusion slowly turned to excitement when we got out there and started to play in it. The look on his face was magical. I wouldn't trade that memory for the entire world. Me and my wife loved seeing him frolic in the fluffy white substance. We began the day by showing him how to make the perfect snowball, and how to attack those who you love with white powder. We ended the day by making our own snowman in the yard. I even had gotten carrots a short while back before the snow started in preparation. I knew that it was almost a luxury on our tight budget, but I wanted him to have the whole experience. After spending all afternoon in the snow, we ended the day by having hot chocolate and watching kids shows on television.

            It didn't snow again for another two weeks. Jake would ask me every few days when it was going to snow again. I told him some old platitudes to calm him.

            "Good things come to those who wait," I said to him. He didn't seem to accept that as an answer. When it finally snowed again he could barely contain himself. I told him we could go out in it but we needed to check the weather first.

             "... but whatever you do do not go outside, it is bad out there and it seems as though it will only get worse. Do not think you are safe from this storm if you go outside, we will update you as we get more information," the weather announcement cut off and they went to a live radar of the storm.

             "Aw, I'm sorry buddy it seems like there's going to be a blizzard. We can't go outside," I said to him gingerly.

             "Can't we go outside for a little bit?" He begged.

             "No, I'm sorry, safety is more important, Jake," I told him. "Let me make you some dino nuggets for lunch to make up for it. Okay?"

             "Okay," he plopped down on the couch and I turned it back to one of the kids shows on public television.

             I was about to put the nuggets in the oven when I heard a knock at the door.

             "Hello, is anyone there? I need help out here. Please, I need to go to a hospital," he was nearly shouting, and I could hear the tightness in his throat from a person about to cry.

             "I'm sorry, but I can't go anywhere in this storm. Should I call for an ambulance," I shouted back at him without opening the door. Something felt off.

              All I heard was screaming and then a thud. I threw open the door to see the body had fallen off the stoop into the snow. Strangely, the snow already seemed to surround him and absorb him in. The snow must be falling fast. Before I could stop him, Jake raced out into the snow.

             "Jake get back here," I shouted. He came running back, but not before catching a snowflake on his tongue.

             "Jake you are in serious trouble, mister," I told him, my voice prickling with anger.

             "I'm sorry, I just wanted to go outside," he said, reserved.

              I got him back through the door and he went and sat on the couch. He was only wearing a pair of polka dotted pajamas. I was afraid he'd catch cold, but I couldn't stay mad at him for long. Soon my wife returned from her job, she had a worried look on her face as she left the car, and she used a blanket to cover herself as she came inside.