Dean could only stare in numbed silence at the spot his brother had disappeared.
It was all his fault. Sam had been happy at school, living the normal life he'd always wanted, when Dean had dragged him back into the life he hated.
"It's not your fault, Dean."
Dean looked up slowly, and realized Chuck was standing right behind him.
"When did you start having the dreams, Chuck?" Dean asked quietly. "It was after I asked him to help me find dad, wasn't it."
Chuck shook his head slowly as he knelt next to Dean. "No, Dean. I've seen everything since the beginning."
"You mean, since he was born? Hell you were a prophet when you were a good?"
"No, Dean. I've seen everything since the beginning of time," Chuck said gently.
Dean's face twisted up in confusion, before understanding dawned in his eyes. "You're God, aren't you?" He asked softly.
Chuck nodded slowly. "Yes, Dean. I am."
"So Chuck was just your vessel?"
"No. I am Chuck."
"So... You've been here. All along, the whole damn time." Dean laughed bitterly. "All the time we spent looking for you, and you were here the whole time."
"Dean... While I knew this battle was inevitable, even I couldn't tell you the exact way things would happen. I couldn't have told you what would have saved your brother."
"But you're God. You know, see all, know all, right?"
Chuck shook his head. "No, Dean. I gave you all free will. It was why my son rebelled against me. Angels were and are bound by my will. Humans are not. At any point these last two years, you could have thrown in the towel, and called it quiets. You could have just sat back and waited it out. Just like your mother could have stayed in bed that night, and not go into Samuel's bedroom. Sam didn't have to go to college. Bobby didn't have to help you. Sam didn't have to drink demon blood. Ellen and Joanna didn't have to go with you to Missouri. You can go as far into the past and deep into the future, and that will never change.
"Here's a perfect example: I can't make you go back to Lisa. I can't even make you get up, much less move on with your life from here. It's all up to you."
Dean finally looked up, tears streaming down his face. "Why? Why me? Why'd you have Cas pull me outta the pit?"
"Because, Dean. Everybody is worth saving. And whether or not you'll ever admit it, you've been my servant, and done my will your whole life. You are a good person, Dean Winchester. Better than you'll ever let yourself believe."
Chuck got up slowly. "Just remember, Dean. Everyone deserves a chance at redemption.
"Even you."
And with that, Dean was alone again.