It's not that he'd have protested the sudden hug but there's no doubt it takes him by surprise. He's rocked back in place a little, his arms going around her instinctively to catch and hold her safe. But the feeling of this tiny girl holding him tight, it takes him far, far away.

It's not a cold night but a blazing afternoon, the sun setting gold. There's no wind in the air but the small and hurried steps of a toddler. He's already opening his arms to her before he's fully through the door. He can hear her voice, joyous, "Papá!"

And then he blinks awake from that dream, heart aching like it wants to kill him. He squeezes the girl tight a moment, choking back on his own need for tears. When he lets go, she won't even notice. So he hopes.

"Then you'll get there for sure, niña. I'm certain of it."