AN: I did it. I wrote a coda to the finale. *facepalm* I got this idea from something that Jensen (is rumored to have) said in an interview about Season 6. In a few words: Dean's at the store and he doesn't know what to get, like in that scene in the movie The Hurt Locker. Spoilers for the Season 5 finale.
The Hurt Locker
There's a wall of colored boxes in front of him, extending on and on for what seems like miles to his left and right. Boxes with cartoon leprechauns, tigers, birds, and bees, each vying for his attention:
"Pick me, I have more fiber for a healthier digestive system!"
"No, me! I have more vitamins and minerals, perfect for growing children!"
"No trans fats here! Buy me!"
It's too loud, each box screaming at him to pick it up. Bright colors flash in his eyes, disorienting him. The fluorescent lights overhead are too white, too bright (but not as bright as an angel's grace). There's a buzzing sound coming from the bulbs, bzzzz, and it irks him. A muffled announcement sounds over the intercom system ("Cleanup in aisle seven, please. Aisle seven."). A woman with a shopping cart rolls by, and the wheels bumpety-bump down the aisle. Her two children chatter to each other in little-kid language.
It's too loud, too bright, too normal, too fake. It's not real; it's not his life.
His life is hunting; his life is on the road. His life is down in Hell; it's anywhere his brother is. His brother is now in lockup with Lucifer, stuck there for all eternity.
There is no life without Sam. Dean can't remember ever not being a big brother. It hurts not having his little brother with him.
He turns his attention back to the shelves of cereal in front of him.
Frosted flakes, plain corn flakes, puffed rice, cereals with dried fruit added, and granola. Cereals with 150% more calcium and 50% less sugar than the leading brand. Generic brands. Fruit Loops, Cheerios, Raisin Bran, Kix, Honey Bunches of Oats, Apple Jacks, and Cocoa Puffs. Freakin' fifty thousand varieties to choose from and he doesn't know.
He can't choose. He survived the Apocalypse, yet he can't decide which breakfast cereal to buy. How lame is that?
He doesn't know how long he stands there with his eyes glazed over, trying to find the right kind of cereal to get. The shrill notes of his ringtone pull him out of his trance. With a weary sigh, he fishes the phone out of his pocket.
It's Lisa. "Dean? Are you still at the store? We're out of mayo. Could you grab a jar? Thanks."
Dean pointedly ignores the box of Lucky Charms ("You want the prize, Dean?") and grabs a box of Life. The irony doesn't escape him. His brother's dead and Dean has to go on living. Because he promised.