It's been an entire year since Tess Collins and Claire had passed away from getting t-boned on the highway because someone had a hit on Dean Winchester and mixed up their Impalas. One year since Dean stood in the light drizzle and told Sam and Cas that he was poison and that he was better off alone. One year since his drinking habits were at a continous all time high.
Today was tough. Tougher than whenever he got his Baby stuck in the snow. Tougher than when he found out Mom wasn't going to be there to tuck him in anymore. Tougher than all the times his friends and family had deceived him.
It was a little past 3 AM and he was 3 bottles of whiskey deep, near alcohol poisoning for even a Winchester. Swimming in his head, he pulled out his flip phone and ran his fingers over the etchings and scratchings and all the wear and tear that had happened to it from all these years. He opened it and dialed the number he always kept in his mind. It rang once. Twice. A voice overcame the speakers - Tess's voice. She was leaving a quick voicemail message for anyone who needed her help, and just like that, it was over. A low tone beeped, telling Dean that he could now leave a voice message. He hesitated, and panicked before shutting his phone. He thought it over. He dialed the number again, lingering over the sweet yet rushed voice. When the beep came, he let out a breath he had no intention on holding.
"Listen... Tess... I need you guys back..."
"It's not lookin' too good for us here... I left Sammy alone, and I've warded myself against Cas... I've been drinking so much lately, it feels like my livers about to pack up and leave me..." He let out a small chuckle. He expected to hear Tess stifle a laugh with him, hushed by phone-call static, but it never came.
He tried to think of more words, but every time he attempted to speak nothing came out. Another low tone, he had run out of time to say what he needed. Weakly and shakely, although it wouldn't have been recorded, said, "Call me back when you get the chance..."