His tortoise shell wide-frames fidgeted uncomfortably down the bridge of his nose, as he focused on the rotating motion of his toothbrush. He glared at the frothy foam that left his mouth and flowed down the plug-hole, before gently tapping his toothbrush against the sink's basin. The school bus was drawing ever nearer and the thought of being late on the first day of a new school emitted shudders through his spine. This was the life of Dean Winchester.

As much as he needed to arrive on time today, an overwhelming fear and lack of self-confidence coerced Dean into a cycle of procrastination. He wasn't ready to face today. He despised new people. But as his mother's voice beckoned him from downstairs, Dean did everything he could to compose himself: adjusting his shirt collar, pushing up his glasses with his forefinger- until he felt strong enough to grab his Naruto rucksack and face the day ahead.

"Bus is here, hon." Mary greeted, with a proud smile as she watched her son sulk down the stairs. "Good luck for today my precious little angel." Mary gently pinched Dean's cheek, pouting as she spoke. Dean pulled away in embarrassment.

"Mom, I'm 17. Stop with the baby talk."

Mary chuckled as Dean left for the bus. Bidding a tormenting farewell, she closed the door and breathed a heavy sigh. It pained her deeply to witness her son's dread, knowing that she could never remove it, but Dean was right: she needed to learn to let go.