I was frozen, not from the winter's cold, but from what sounded like a little girl's voice. I had often imagined Whisper's voice, at nights, when I sat alone at the gazebo. But this was not the same. It was clear and sounded like she was next to me.

I could not move, or more so, I did not want to move, for fear the moment would pass.

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I forced out the words.

"I missed you."

I could barely recognize my voice.

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"I missed you too Daddy."

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From the corner of my eye, I could see a warm glow, a faint light, becoming brighter, by the second.

Was this another dream?

Was this my mind playing some cruel trick on me?

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"Are you cold?" asked the voice.

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Tears filled my eyes. I continued staring out at the ocean, still terrified to turn, terrified that if I did, it would be a dream and I would be sitting here, at my gazebo, alone.

"I'm not cold," I said softly.

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"You're shaking, Daddy."

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I was, but not from the cold.

"I'm scared."

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"Of me?"

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I shook my head. "No, scared that it is not you. That this is a dream."

I closed my eyes and wiped the tears.

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When I opened them, she was there. She was inches from my face, staring at me, hovering above the ground.

It was her. It was my Whisper. It was not a dream.

The tears became sobbing.

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"It is not a dream Daddy. It's me."

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I could not focus. The tears were too heavy. I buried my face in my hands and cried like a baby.

I could feel her touch, stroking my head, like a faint breath caressing me.

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"I have come back. I came back for you."

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It took nearly ten minutes for me to gather some semblance of calmness. My nose was running and my eyes were stinging. My throat was sore and my stomach felt like I had been punched repeatedly.

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She remained, hovering, in front of me. A huge smile, on her beautiful face.

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"How?"

The single word I uttered, took more energy, than if I had recited a novel.

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I saw her hand touch my face. She shook her head, gently.

"I don't know, Daddy. They just told me I had to come back."

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I took a deep breath, wiping my eyes again and trying to calm myself down.

"They?"

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Whisper nodded, her hand still stroking my cheek.

"The voices. I could not see them and I don't think I actually heard them, but they were there. They told me that I had to come back. To you."

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"Why?"

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I saw her shake her head. "I don't know. They said I would know when the time was right."

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I suddenly thought of her.

"But what of your parents? Did you see them?"

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Her smile was like a bright light. "I did. It was wonderful to see them. We spent so much wonderful time together, but they too, said I had to come back.

They told me I did not belong there. What happened to me, was not suppose to be."

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I cannot even begin to explain the feelings that were going through me. My whole being was alive again, more alive than it had ever been.

I put my hand to her face.

I swear I could feel her.

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She closed her eyes and put her tiny hand on mine.

"I missed you. When they asked me to come back, I couldn't wait."

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"How long?" I whispered.

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She appeared in my lap. Her tiny head against my chest.

"They did not say. They only said that I had to come back to help you. I am just so happy that I am back with you, Daddy.

Did you miss me?"

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I started crying again and put my arms around her.

"More than you will ever know, little girl."

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"I missed you too, Daddy. I am so, so happy to be back."

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"You said you are here to help me?"

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Whisper nodded.

"That's what they told me."

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I was puzzled. How could she help me?

Then a thought hit me. A huge smile came to my face.

"Are you back to be my guardian angel?"

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She looked up at me and giggled.

"That's what they told me."

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My guardian angel. Most people would have had a mature, wise person as theirs. I had the spirit of an eleven year old girl.

As I looked down at the beautiful little girl, sitting in my lap, I realized ...

I wouldn't want anyone else.

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We sat in silence for several minutes, before she spoke again.

"We should go inside. I know it is cold out here."

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I agreed.

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We began walking toward the house. I could see Ghost and Spirit in the window. They were both on their hind legs pawing at the window.

We watched as they both fell off the window ledge, trying to dance.

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Whisper looked up at me, giggling, "I think they missed me."

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Both cats appeared in the window again.

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"Go on," I told her.

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She vanished. Through the window I could see the cats turn and jump down. I knew Whisper was with them.

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I stood on my veranda and looked out across the ocean. Tears were still streaming down my face.

I looked through my living room window. I could see Whisper running around the living room, dragging a cat toy that was connected to a long elastic. The cats were both chasing her, falling over each other.

I could hear her laughing.

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I don't ever remember being so happy, but at the same time scared.

How long was she going to be with me this time?

I don't know if I could handle losing her again.

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I took a cigarette from my coat pocket and lit it.

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"When did you start smoking those?"

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I jumped slightly. "You scared me sweetie. You have to let me know when you are going to appear."

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She giggled. "Sorry, Daddy.

What about this?"

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I heard the sound of a bell, like the one from the movie 'It's A Wonderful Life'.

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I smiled. "That would work, but just give me a second or so before you appear."

I lit the cigarette.

Whisper had been back for over an hour and she showed no signs of disappearing. I wondered why.

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"Because I am an angel, silly."

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I looked at her.

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She giggled. "Oops. Sorry Daddy."

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"You can read my mind?"

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"Sometimes, but all you have to do is think that you don't want me to hear and I won't."

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I had to try it. I thought, 'How long will you be here?'

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"I don't know Daddy. They didn't tell me. I will be here for as long as it takes to do whatever it is they sent me back to do."

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Obviously, I needed more practice.

I took a puff on the cigarette.

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Whisper stared at me, hands on her hips.

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I threw it on the ground.

"Better?"

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She smiled.

"It's ok. You are in good health. No sickness to be seen."

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This was going to take some getting use to. My little girl had returned but she was a lot stronger and able to do things that were beyond me.

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"Don't be afraid, Daddy."

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"I'm not afraid," I assured her.

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She floated up in front of me so our faces were at the same level. She put her hand on my face.

"I have changed, Daddy. But I am still your little girl. I don't know why I am here and I don't care why. I am just glad to be back here with you and Ghost and Spirit. This is my home."

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"I am so glad you are back."

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She turned and looked toward the gate.

"Someone is coming."