Preacher is a nine-year-old boy driving home with his father on a cold and snowy night. The two are silent initially, and Preacher takes the opportunity to reflect on the heroes he's identified in his life, from war heroes to relatives. His teacher had told him to choose a hero who possessed the things which he lacked, so if he was a coward, he would choose a brave person to be his hero. Preacher feels he is lacking in many aspects, so he has many heroes to inspire him to rise to their level. Preacher asks his father who his heroes are. His father explains that for some time, when he was in a troubled state, Father Barden was most closely his hero, because he guided him out of it and provided strength for him. Preacher asks if his hero would actually be Jesus, but his father disagrees because he feels that it must be someone who was a man, and Jesus was simply the embodiment of God. He says that Father Barden was the closest, physical embodiment to Jesus he had, so he is as close to a hero he had. Later, Preacher falls asleep, and when he wakes, he's alone in the car. He sees a robed figure coming towards him from the snow, thinking he must be dreaming and that it is Jesus coming to visit, but then it is his father who steps inside the vehicle, saying he had to use the bathroom. They continue driving, Preacher falling asleep again. This time, he dreams that his father is deathly ill, so he prays for Jesus to help him. Though he can't see Jesus, he feels his presence, just outside of his grasp. Simultaneously, he feels his father going cold and begins to panic just as he is jolted awake. The two have finally arrived home, Preacher thankful that they've made it through a tumultuous day yet again. He runs into his mothers warm embrace, who has been waiting for them all night.