It was around 5 p.m. on December 24th . Dean had driven in to town for supplies and to get a break from everyone in the bunker. His stomach growling, he noticed a diner that still had its open sign on. Pulling the Impala into a spot right in front his eyes lit up as he noticed a bakery display with several pies. A old fashioned bell chimed as he walked in. Not surprisingly the place was empty, except for a man in his early to mid 30's leaning against the counter.
" How's it going? Hope you weren't looking for a full meal. Kitchen is closed, but we still have soup and pie."
Dean looked in the case at the large variety there, "Shouldn't be a problem if you've still got coffee."
"That we do," he brought the pot over. Dean caught the name Manuel on his tag.
" So Manuel, how'd you get stuck with this shift?"
Manuel chuckled," I volunteered. Mom and stepdad are both gone and my father and I aren't speaking right now. "
Nodding his head Dean raised his cup," Family can be difficult , but in the end sometimes they're all you got."
Manuel went over and to hot pot on the counter and ladled something into a bowl. Dean's mouth was watering at the scents wafting his way.
" I know I didnt take your order, but you look like a man who would appreciate beef stew. Since its Christmas, its on the house."
His eyes closed in reverence as the taste exploded in his mouth, it took him a minute to acknowledge Manuel. Before he could Manny spoke again, " In fact, would you mind being a test subject? We've got a new cook trying to be a YouTube star trying out different things. If you dont like it you can take home one of our pies."
Looking down Dean was surprised to find his bowl was already empty."Sure man, you know it being the holidays and all." They both laughed. As the other man went into the kitchen Dean tried to remember the last time he'd felt so content . Manuel set a large cake box in front of him. "Whatcha got there?"
"A piecaken."
" Excuse me?"
"A piecaken. 3 different kinds of pie baked in a cake."
"Sweet Jesus, who created such a thing?"
Manuel laughed again," Not sure, but its supposed to be good."
He cut a huge slice and put it in front of Dean.
"I'm glad you came in here tonight Dean. Sometimes the things I see in this world get me down. Its good to be reminded that there are good people who enjoy the simple things still."
Looking up in surprise, because he hadn't given his name, he found himself back in Baby sitting in front of a closed diner. On the seat next to him was a cake box that had Merry Christmas Dean Winchester , written on signed E.
