A guardian angel whose charge went to Hell, Reflection is stuck. It’s been two years, but still he keeps thinking about William. Always William. When God calls him in for weekly visits, he's certain it's the end.

Reflection's not sure he can ever be fruitful again. But someone else thinks he’s a fruitful branch sleeping through a winter season.

Originally published in 'The Sword Review' magazine, Winter Branches won second place in TSR’s fiction contest and fourth place in the 2007 Reader’s Choice Award for short fiction.