Isaac sat amidst his presents, mentally taking inventory of them. He had gotten rollerblades, some CD's, clothes, toys, and money. He had had a good party, full of games and gifts.

There was a knock at the door, but he ignored it, eyeing the cake leftovers. Nice big chocolate cake with cream.

"Mrs. Hanson?" came Red's voice from the doorstep.

"Oh, Rebecca! How are you?" Diana Hanson asked.

"Good. Is Ike in?"

"Yes. I'll get him for you." she told Red, and went to fetch Isaac. He looked up. "Rebecca's here." his mom told him unnecessarily.

"I'll be there in a minute." he told his mom, and got up to pull on his coat.

"What's up?" he asked Red once they were outside.

"I've got something to show you." she said, grabbing his hand, and pulling him towards the back of the house.

"Where are we going?" he asked.

"A special place." she said, and the two plunged into the stand of trees that covered the back of the property.

After a 5 minute walk, she stopped, and turned to Ike, who nearly ran into her.

"What?" he asked, slightly annoyed as he nearly rammed into her.

"This is my private place, and since you're my best friend, I'm going to show it to you. But you must promise you won't show anyone else." she told him, her blue eyes wide.

"I promise." he said, crossing his heart. Satisfied, she slowly led him by the hand into a small area he had never known before. Under a large thicket was the entrance to a large dugout covered in trees and scrubs. There were creepers and vines hanging everywhere. Even in winter, it was a beautiful place.

"Wow..." he whispered, afraid to shatter the calmness of the place.

"I know..." she said softly, going deeper into the sanctum stepping carefully.

Isaac followed, and then he heard the sound. A soft gurgling. His eyes widened as he spotted the small creek running deep into the creek bed.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" she asked softly. Running her fingers through the clear water, she smiled softly.

"It is." he said, joining her.

"Remember, this is our place, and no other, okay?" she told him.

He nodded, feeling the spiritual signifigance of the place.