Home.
God this place held mixed emotions. But right now, his sons were within arms' reach but he still couldn't go to them.
The call from Dean had damn near broken his heart. He'd played it only twice. And then, against all logic and judgment, he'd gone there. Just to be closer. In case.
His eldest son was what had kept him going. Even from a toddler, there was something about him. And now look at him. What an incredible, good, strong man his son had become – despite everything. Pride is a sin, but John's heart swelled with it anyway.
And Sam. Oh, the difference between those two! Sam was smart – he questioned everything. Just getting him to keep quiet and not tell the truth… oh, well.. okay maybe not the best thing to instil in your child…but necessary under the circumstances and anyway, Dean never questioned it. Anger was rising in his chest even as he thought about Sam.
"John, you just stop that right now, ya hear me?"
John took the mug of coffee she offered him and took a deep breath of the strong brew, before taking a grateful sip.
"Missouri, you make fine coffee."
"I know. Now, are you gonna stop with those thoughts about Sam? Because that boy? He don't deserve that."
"Yeah, I know. He has his mother's heart."
"And his father's soul."
At first the words didn't really register. But then what could explain that strange feeling he suddenly had, making his heart pound like a jack-hammer in his chest? Hope?
"Do you really think that?"
Missouri looked into the lost and troubled eyes of John Winchester, and straight into his soul. He was one of the most complicated, amazing men she had ever known, and she saw only pain and confusion – a change from her normal readings.
"Yeah. I do."