The Summer of Discontent

"I know you don't want to be here but there is no choice," Dean explained to his son as he dropped him off.

"Why can't I go to work with you?" Braden asked.

"Because I can't keep an eye on you and it is too dangerous for you to run around the shop. Besides you would be bored out of your mind."

"Yeah but at least I'd be with you," Braden said.

Dean smiled and was flattered that his son wanted to be with him but he gave him a gentle shove towards the door. "I'll see you tonight."

Braden twirled the badminton racket around in his hand as he waited for his partner to get the birdie from the tree. It was the second week of camp and he was bored out of his mind. Tomorrow was the trip to the miniature golf course which required far more patience that he possessed. The kids took forever to get through each hole and the waiting was interminable. How was he going to make it through the entire summer?

"Braden Winchester if you can't keep your hands to yourself you will be sitting on the bus." Mrs. Stolski promised.

Braden rolled his eyes but took his hands off of Brent who was in front of him. They were trading light punches with each other while waiting their turn for the windmill hole. They finally got their turn and Braden did very well until the clown hole. Then his patience ran out and he was sent to the bus after chasing Mindy around the pond.

Braden found himself hot and miserable sitting on the large yellow school bus. He could see the group slowly moving around the course as he peeked out the window. He just knew he wouldn't make it through this outing. He stepped off the bus for a moment to get some fresh air and enjoy the minimal breeze. As he went around to the other side of the bus he saw a small shop that had a crystal ball in the front window; Braden very intrigued made his way to the front door.

"Hi there young man?" A kindly woman said as she stood up from behind the counter.

"Hello," Braden said quietly.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" she asked.

"Hmm, I'm not sure."

"You look around and see what catches your eye. My name is Mrs. Wyndam and I'll be right here if you have any questions."

Braden's eyes took everything in seemingly at once. He saw jewelry and books and robes and herbs and all kinds of things. Braden found a pentagram necklace hanging on a hook; he recognized the symbol from the journal and also saw it on an old gun that was in their safe at the house.

"Do you like that necklace? It's called a…"

"Pentagram ...it's a symbol of protection, the points stand for spirit, earth, air, fire and water," Braden finished her sentence.

"You're right, most don't know that; they fear the symbol, believe its evil. I guess you know a little something there don't you."

Braden then gravitated towards the books picking up one on lore and legends. He saw that each chapter dealt with a different legend.

"That's a great book, lots of good stories in there," Mrs. Wyndam said.

"How much is that necklace?" Braden asked.

"Well for someone who is as knowledgeable as you I think I can let it go for ten dollars."

Braden smiled, "I have that much but I can't come back for a few days."

"Well then I will keep it back here with me and it will be waiting for you to come pick it up,"she said.

Braden was very interested in the book but the price of thirty-five dollars was way over his head.

"That book sits in the same place every day and I have a real comfy chair right there if anybody wanted to come in and read from time to time."

"That would be great," Braden said with a huge grin. "I gotta go, thank you."

Braden had been gone longer than he intended and when he went to get back on the bus he saw the entire group standing there with two upset teachers. He eased into the crowd and tried to stay calm.

"What's going on Mrs. Presker?" He asked innocently.

"Oh Braden where have you been? Mrs. Stolski he is over here," Mrs. Presker yelled out.

"You were supposed to be on that bus young man; what did you think you were doing?" She yelled.

"It was hot, so I got off to get some air. I must have dozed off or something; sorry."

"Well don't think I won't be telling your father about this."

Great thought Braden just great.

"Yes I understand that he should have stayed where you told him to, but I'm sure it was very hot on the bus," Dean said trying to get a word in edge wise.

Mrs. Stolski was never fond of Dean, it traced back to the school carnival a few years ago when he solicited tons of business for the dunk tank where the teacher had donated her time. Thanks to Dean she spent much of her day in the water. She never forgot this nor that Braden was his son.

"I will speak with him tonight about what he did wrong."

"He needs some discipline or he will be in jail before too much longer."

"Now Mrs. Stolski I don't think chasing a girl and leaving the bus is going to lead to a crime spree."

"Something needs to be done with him."

"As I said I will deal with him tonight," Dean promised.

"Dude what were you thinking? I had to listen to her drone on about what a pain you are and I didn't appreciate it at all," Dean told Braden on the drive home.

"I told you I hated camp and the stupid field trips."

"So that makes it okay to be a problem?"

"I can't take it Dad."

"Well you have to; we all have to do things we don't like. I have to go to work every day and you have to do your thing whether it is school or daycare. Now I'm going to tell you this only once; stay out of trouble. I don't care if you agree or not but if she speaks to me one more time about your behavior I won't be so nice next time," Dean warned.

Braden mumbled something incoherent.

"What did you say?" Dean asked.

"I said yes sir."

Dean shook his head and continued to drive home.

Braden had kept up his end of the bargain for the next few weeks. He hated his days but the story his dad had told him about the werewolf aftermath had kept his activities in check as he wasn't ready to meet that fate. But with Dean heading out of town and a particularly bad day at camp Braden needed an outlet.

Carrie picked up her nephew from camp and had to deal with an unhappy teacher.

"Where is Mr. Winchester?" Mrs. Stolski asked Carrie as she arrived.

"He had to go out of town for a car show; he'll be back on Sunday. Is there something I can help you with?"

"No, I'll just wait for Mr. Winchester," she snapped.

"So what did you do kid?" Carrie asked as they pulled out of the lot.

"I called her an idiot."

"Braden John how could you?"

"It was easy since she is one."

"Oh honey Dean is going not going to be happy about this at all. I don't think I'm going to want to be you come Sunday."

"Yeah I know."

They picked up Katie from her dance camp and headed to the house. Braden was spending the weekend there while Dean was at a car show a few hundred miles away. He took one of his employees with him and was fairly sure he was going to be able to sell the Camaro he had recently restored. This left Braden in Sam and Carrie's care until his return.

"You guys go outside and play while I start dinner," Carrie instructed.

"Aunt Carrie can I go into my house so I can practice my piano; I need to play to let some stress out," Braden explained.

"Sure honey, but don't go anywhere else alright?"

"Okay."

Braden went in his front door and made his way to the garage and his bike. He slipped out the side door and headed down the block. At every opportunity Braden went back to the occult shop and read the large book that had caught his eye. He had found $8 dollars and managed to scrape up another $2 dollars by going through his fathers pants. With money in hand he bought the pentagram necklace that Mrs. Wyndam true to her word had placed behind the counter. She welcomed him at each visit and even had freshly baked cookies for him on occasion. The two had become fast friends.

"Hey Braden how are you tonight?" She asked.

"Tough day Mrs. W. I need to read and lose myself in the spirit world."

"Well you just get to it then."

Braden usually set the alarm on his phone to go off and pull him out of his literary world. Without the alarm Braden may have never come up for air. This night with his rough day and impending doom of his fathers return he forgot to set his alarm and was only aware of the time when Mrs. Wyndam told him it was getting late and she didn't want him riding his bike in the dark.

"Oh man I'm late. Thanks Mrs. W. I may not be back for a while but don't give up on me."

"Be careful Braden," she yelled after the departing boy.

*******Earlier *******

Sam came in the front door loosening his tie and setting his briefcase down. He found his wife in the kitchen combining ingredients into some kind of casserole.

"How was your day?" he asked.

"Alright, I have to work tomorrow," she said with a sigh.

"I thought you worked last Saturday?"

"I did I have to cover for Sherry."

"Where are the kids?"

"Katie is in the yard and Braden is at his house banging on the piano or drums or strumming the guitar. He had a bad day; apparently he called Mrs. Stolski an idiot."

"Mrs. Stolski of the dunk tank calamity?"

"The very same."

"Oh boy I'll change and then go corral the two of 'em."

Sam changed his clothes and went out to his squealing daughter who was happy to see him. "Daddy, you're home."

"I am home, what are you doing?"

"I'm having a tea party with my dolls," she said pointing to her small picnic table.

"I see well did you work up and appetite? I'm going to go get your cousin so you head inside and get washed up."

"Okay Daddy."

Sam went next door and was puzzled as the quiet enveloped him. Braden was many things but quiet wasn't one of them. Sam went on full alert as each room he searched was empty and his calls went unanswered. He checked the backyard fort and the basement and finally the garage. He immediately noticed the bicycle was missing. He ran back next door and filled Carrie in on the situation.

She picked up the phone and dialed Braden's number only to hear Wayward Son call out from the small phone on the coffee table.

"That's just great," Sam said.

"I lost him," Carrie said. "I told him not to go anywhere else," she said in a worried tone.

"You didn't lose him he took off, he got on his bike and left. Katie did Braden say anything to you?"

"No he just went to his house."

"Do you know where he went?"

Katie shook her head no.

"What do we do?" Carrie asked visibly upset.

"I will drive around and look for him. Call me if he comes home or calls," Sam said.

Sam had driven all over town and asked several people if they had seen his nephew but had no luck. The last thing he wanted to do was call his brother and tell him that his son was missing; but it was looking like that was exactly what he was going to have to do.

Sam turned on to Sherwood Drive as darkness began to descend. He was scared and angry and helpless. He parked the SUV in the driveway and made his way to the front door.

"No luck?" Carrie asked phone in hand looking as if she could cry at any moment.

"Nothing," Sam said looking defeated.

"I tried calling everyone I know but nothing. I guess we should call the police and Dean."

"Yeah, its time." Sam said.

The sentence was still hanging in the air when the front door opened revealing a very passive looking Braden. Carrie ran over looking relieved while Sam hit the ceiling.

"Where the hell have you been?" Sam yelled.

"I went to my house and a friend came over and told me they just got a new puppy. I went over to see it and I guess I lost track of time," Braden said.

"Really, what is the name of this friend?" Sam demanded.

"You don't know him?"

"What's his phone number?" Carrie asked phone still in hand.

"I don't know," Braden said.

"Then take me to his house," Sam said.

Braden knowing he was caught in his lie reverted to plan B. "Okay I went to the library and fell asleep while I was reading."

"The library is on the other side of town and across several busy streets," Carrie gasped.

"I took my time that's why I was so late. I just needed some quiet time to myself."

"And you couldn't get that in your empty house?" Sam questioned. "Go upstairs. . . now!" he said pointing the way.

"Are you going to tell my dad?" A distressed Braden asked.

"No – you are," Sam said watching his nephew climb the stairs.

Braden sat on his bed as tears slipped from his eyes. He had blown it big time. First the incident with Mrs. Stolski, then lying about being at his house and being so late. Plus he got Sam to buy the lie about the library but he didn't think he could get it by his father. So then there would be more repercussions from his uncle when he finds out the library was a lie.

"Hey bro," Sam began the conversation. "Everything is fine. . .now. Well I want Braden to tell you himself."

Sam handed the phone to Braden who was trying unsuccessfully to hold his tears in.

"Hi Dad," Braden whispered through his tears.

"What happened?" Dean asked all business.

"I was late and Uncle Sam and Aunt Carrie didn't know where I was."

"Where were you?"

"I had a bad day and I said I was going to our house but I went to the library instead and I fell asleep. I got back when it was dark."

"Where was your phone?"

"I forgot it here."

"Why did you have a bad day?"

"I called Mrs. Stolski an idiot."

"You did what? It sounds like you brought your bad day on yourself. You aren't allowed to go to the library; it's too far away. How could you do this Braden? I am very upset with your right now."

"So is Uncle Sam," Braden said as he looked over to his angry uncle.

Sam took the phone and continued the conversation.

"What do you want me to do with him?"

"I trust you man, like I've always said when he is in your care he is yours and you treat him as if he was your own. What would you do if he were your son? When you have that answer then proceed," Dean told him.

"But Dean I'm very angry and I'm not sure if this shouldn't wait for you. This should be a punishment that comes from his father."

"No he blew it and you can deal with it. He spends a lot of time with you guys and I have no problem with anything you do. You are the one that was on the emotional roller coaster while I was clueless; you have the passion right now. I do suggest that you take a lap around the house though and calm down a bit. I don't want you to break my child," Dean said with a slight snicker.

"Yeah okay; but if you disagree with my choice then you have to bite your tongue."

"Agreed, let me talk to him one more time," Dean said.

Sam gave Braden the phone and went to walk his lap.

"Yes sir."

"Your punishment is in Uncle Sam's hands and whatever he decides is what you will accept. I am completely on his side so don't even think you can whine about your penalty and gain any ground. I am very disappointed and it just sucks what you put them through tonight. I'll call and speak with you tomorrow."

"Okay Dad, I'm sorry."

"Braden, take it like a man."

"Yes sir."

Sam splashed some cold water on his face at the kitchen sink while Carrie rubbed his back.

"Do what Dean said. What would you do if he were our son?" Carrie asked.

"He practically is; at least that's how I feel," Sam said.

"Me too so that should make it easier to carry this out."

Sam dried his face and nodded. "Keep Katie down here."

Sam hit the stairs and found his nephew sitting on his bed picking invisible lint off of his AC/DC shirt.

"Okay kiddo first off you know how much I love you." Braden nodded. "Then you know how scared Carrie and I were when we couldn't find you?" Braden again nodded. "So what do you think your punishment should be?" Braden just shrugged his shoulders. "What do you think your dad would do?"

"He told me as story about when he was my age and nearly got killed by a werewolf and what Grandpa did."

Sam scrunched up his face not sure what Braden was talking about. "I'll be back in a second."

Sam redialed Dean and found out what Braden had been talking about. "I never knew that happened."

"I guess you wouldn't have would you? Well that's the story and I literally walked Braden through it. He decided he didn't care for the position so I think that's exactly what you should do."

"Don't you think the first time should be from his father?"

"If I was there, but this can't wait until Sunday Sam. I'm sorry but remember San Francisco and Madison? If you could do that, then you can do this."

Sam hung up the phone with the memory of Madison's death suddenly fresh in his mind. In comparison disciplining his 9 year old nephew should be a piece of cake; should be.

Braden kept his fingers clenched on top of the dresser and his eyes closed. He was trying so very hard to be a man like his father had said. The air in the room was ripe with intensity and he knew his uncle wasn't having any more fun than he was. When it was over Sam dropped the belt and turned his nephew around and hung onto him tightly as the sobs escaped from the 9 year old.

"I'm sorry Braden."

"Me too."

"If it makes you feel any better you beat your dad's record by nearly a year."

Braden had a bit of a laugh mixed in with his tears as he clung to his uncle.

The next morning Sam was reading the paper when Braden came downstairs.

"Where is everybody?" The boy asked.

"Aunt Carrie had to work and Katie is at a dance rehearsal and then will be at a friend's house for a while," Sam responded.

"So it's just me and you huh?"

"Yep, it sure is. How do you feel?"

"Mmm, okay I guess," Braden said putting on a brave face.

Sam walked over to the cabinet and pulled out the aspirin and put two on the counter for his nephew. "Just in case you need them."

"Thanks," Braden said as he poured himself a glass of orange juice. He swallowed the pills and eased himself down on stool next to the counter.

"I figured we could just hang out here today. I've got some paperwork to catch up on and I'm sure you're not feeling up to doing a whole lot."

Sam busied himself with work while Braden washed his bike and tossed his baseball against the pitch-back. Braden headed into the house to get a drink when Sam found him with the phone in his hand.

"It's your dad."

"Hi Dad," Braden said quietly.

"Rough night?"

"Yeah, I'm not sure I did really well last night."

"I already spoke with Sam and he assured me you did just fine. We are just both sorry it had to happen."

"Me too."

"I sold the Camaro so the weekend was a success. We'll finish up the paperwork today and that means I can leave first thing in the morning; try and stay out of trouble until I get back."

Braden hung up the phone and plopped on the couch forgetting about the wave of pain that would follow. Sam crashed down next to him with a glass of milk.

"Uncle Sam tell me about Grandpa and what it was like when you were kids?" Braden asked.

"I'm sure your dad would rather field that question."

"Please! I already knew about the werewolf story."

"Our lives were pretty complicated."

"Did you ever see a vampire?"

"Yeah, a few times," Sam admitted falling into his memories. "We didn't even know they existed until we were adults and then every myth we had heard turned out to be wrong." Sam ended telling Braden about the time in Montana with nest and John killing the top vampire with the colt.

"Wow so that gun was really something special then huh?"

"Yeah it was very important," Sam said as he remembered how Dean killed the demon that was responsible for their mother's death.

"So what kind of stuff did my dad do that got him in trouble?" Braden asked eagerly.

"Everything – I don't want to give you any ideas you get into enough trouble as it is," Sam said smiling at his nephew.

The remainder of the weekend was quiet and culminated in Dean's arrival home. He picked up Braden and the two were home by mid-afternoon.

"I guess it was a bad weekend for me to be gone," Dean said.

"I think it was the worst for Uncle Sam; but it wasn't much fun for me either," Braden admitted.

The next morning the small family pulled into the kid camp parking lot where Braden was ecstatic to see that Mrs. Stolski's car was not among the others parked in the area.

"Mrs. Stolski must be late," Braden said with glee.

"Good, because I was contemplating tossing you out of the car as I made my u-turn to leave. I am not up to dealing with that woman on a Monday morning," Dean said only half smiling.

Braden hopped out of the car and headed towards the door. Dean shifted in his seat as he noticed a black cord around Braden's neck. He didn't remember that his son had anything that matched what was peeking out above his shirt. He just shook his head and filed it away for later.

With a lot to catch up on and in a near exhausted state Dean was glad when the day ended. Now he just had to pick up his son and deal with the old biddy. Dean walked into the main room and immediately noticed his son sitting on a chair in the corner looking distraught. He was about to walk over to see what had happened when Mrs. Stolski made a beeline right towards him.

"Mr. Winchester, we have much to talk about. I was sorry that I missed you this morning but we have even more to discuss after today's events."

"What are you talking about?" Dean asked just wanting to get to his son.

"Well first of all on Friday he stooped so low as to call me and idiot. That is not acceptable and he spent the day at the table by himself. Then today he would not listen to me and when I reached out for him I discovered that he was wearing something just hideous."

"What are you talking about?" Dean demanded.

"He is wearing a satanic symbol around his neck," Mrs. Stolski screeched.

"Braden come here right now!" Dean yelled pointing to the spot in front of him. "What is around your neck?"

Braden somewhat reluctantly pulled the pentagram out from inside his shirt. "It's just a pentagram Dad; I wanted the protection."

"Protection from what?" Mrs. Stolski wanted to know.

Dean could barely control himself as Braden just looked up at his teacher with just a hint of a smile.

Pushing the laughter back inside Dean proceeded to explain the correct information about the pentagram. Even with the correct definition Mrs. Stolski would hear none of it.

"He is nothing but a defiant, delinquent who needs some serious discipline. You are not doing the job Mr. Winchester and your boy is going to be in a bad place and very soon."

Dean nearly exploded. "My son is just fine, maybe if you didn't see it as your life's work to pick on him all day and find nothing but problems you could see what a great kid he really is. Did you think maybe he called you an idiot because you are one? Try researching the pentagram and you will see the truth but I'm sure you would still believe you were right and the rest of the world is wrong. You are wrong about my son and you will not have him in your program anymore. You'll have to find something else to do all day other than find his faults and make him feel demoralized."

Dean grabbed Braden's hand and hauled him out to the car.

"Wow dad that was awesome," Braden said excitedly.

"Just relax there pal because you are far from out of the woods. I want to know where you got that necklace."

"I found it."

"Right, just lying on the ground waiting for you."

"Yeah, just like that."

"Stop lying to me Braden. I want the truth right now," Dean said sternly.

"I bought it at a store a few weeks ago, but their gone now."

"The store went out of business?"

"Yeah."

"Did I not just ask for the truth? I want to know where you got it; and another thing I don't quite believe you went to the library Friday night. Where were you?" Dean said mater-of-factly.

"The place I bought the necklace," Braden whispered.

"Show me where." Dean demanded.

"Third Avenue and Spruce Street."

Dean turned the car around and headed to the address. He parked at the curb and as he saw the miniature golf course he figured out where his son was the day he disappeared off the bus.

Father and son walked to the front door; Braden's head hung low as Dean pushed the front door open. He looked around the store as Braden made his way to the counter.

"Hi Braden how are you? Who is this?" Mrs. Wyndam asked.

"I'm sorry," Braden stammered quietly.

"Did you sell my son this necklace?" Dean demanded to know.

"You can't expect me to deny the boy protection. He was very knowledgeable about the symbol and was worthy of wearing it."

Dean's gaze took him to a large book of legends and lore sitting on the table.

"A fascinating a book," Mrs. Wyndam commented.

"Yeah my dad had one," Dean said.

"Yes, John was quite knowledgeable too."

"How do you know my father?" Dean asked alarmed.

"I knew him long ago back when he was just getting his feet wet in the hunting world. I fully expected a Winchester to come in here one day; though I must say I was surprised that it was this guy," Mrs. Wyndam said indicating Braden.

"So how often has he come here?"

"As often as he needed to; I couldn't deny him knowledge any more than I could deny him protection. He is an old soul Dean."

"What does that mean; old soul?"

"It means he has already got it all figured out."

Dean left the store a little unsure of what had just happened. He discovered that Braden had been there often and that Maya Wyndam had aided his father long ago and had always kept tabs on the family. She was the one responsible for keeping John in the know when it came to certain charms and spells. How and why she turned up only a few miles from them was beyond reason.

"So Grandpa had that book too? Tell me all about the woman in white and bloody Mary and the Hookman…" Braden babbled on and on.

"Whoa dude, one thing at a time. Now if you read the legends then you already know it all."

"But is it true? Is what the book says true?"

"Most of it yeah; and that's why you need to steer clear of it. No haunted houses, no shape-shifters no looking for trouble," Dean stated emphatically.

Braden could only sigh and say, "wow."

Dean filled Sam in on the details on all that he had learned.

"Do you think Braden was somehow drawn into that store?" Sam asked.

"Don't even go there Sam; I don't think I can handle anything else tonight."

"What are you going to do with Braden tomorrow?"

"I'll have to take him to work with me; what other choice do I have. He can bring his guitar and practice then I can have him sweep up and clean some things."

The next morning as Dean stood near his office door he heard the phone ring and his son answer.

"Classic Winchester – Where the good times roll – how can I help you?" Braden said into the phone the next morning. "I believe he is working on it right now Mr. Charles. I'm not sure please let me check for you."

Braden walked over to Dean who was standing mouth agape and asked when the '69 Chevelle would be ready.

Braden finished the phone conversation and replaced the phone and sat back feet on the desk and hands clasped behind his head.

"Wow, just keep doing that and everything will be fine," Dean said leaving the little secretary in the office. As he headed back to the Chevelle he heard his son once again.

"Classic Winchester – where we make the old new again. I'm sure he could give you an estimate if you could bring it by before 4:00; you're welcome."

"That must be the genes Allison gave to him," Jeffrey one of the mechanics said as he watched Braden.

Dean was elbow deep in an engine when a thought bolted through his brain. "Amelia, I have to call Amelia," he said to nobody in particular.

Allison had been dead for over 4 years now and Dean was slow to recover from the loss. He deeply loved his wife and mother of his child and though it saddened him every day by what he lost Dean had finally been able to get back into the swing of dating. But he kept it to lunch dates for the most part as to not affect Braden. When he thought he met somebody who may be around for more than a few dates he would then think about exploring a relationship and bring Braden in at that time. But for now he kept it all to himself and wanted to keep it that way so he absolutely had to get a hold of Amelia before she showed up.

Braden was sweeping the driveway to the garage his head bobbing up and down with his MP3 player. He saw a pretty woman pull up in a 1985 Ford Mustang. Not exactly classic in his eyes but still pretty old. She pulled into a slot and bounced out heading right for the office. Braden stopped what he was doing and watched her enter the garage with the confidence indicating that she had been there before. She looked around until she spotted Dean and then with a big smile and lots of sex appeal sashayed over to him leaning just right as to assure him that there would be dessert after lunch.

Dean was panicked. He never had gotten through on the phone and then had gotten wrapped up in an oil leak; now Amelia was in the garage and in full view of his son's questioning eyes.

"I tried to call you earlier; I can't go to lunch with you," Dean said while wiping his hands off on a rag.

"Why not? I cleared my afternoon for this," Amelia pouted.

"See that little guy over there," Dean nodded in Braden's direction.

"So what does he have to do with anything?"

"He has everything to do with everything; that is my son and I'll be having lunch with him today."

"I didn't know you had a kid," she said.

"I told you about him and even showed you a picture," Dean said suddenly knowing that this would be the last time he was anywhere near this woman.

"Oh, well can't he just stay here? Why isn't he in daycare or something?"

"Because he is with me and no he can't stay here. Why don't you just leave and we'll agree that this isn't going to work out," Dean said pointing her towards the door.

"So who was that bimbo Dad?" Braden asked as he slurped his soda sitting in the booth across from Dean.

Dean's eyes widened and he pulled his head back in reaction to his son's question.

"She was just someone who had brought their car to be worked on."

"I think she wanted more than her car worked on," Braden replied.

"Sam is right you are turning into me," Dean said shaking his head and marveling at how fast his son was growing up.

"Daddy I know you loved Mom but I also know that you sometimes might need a girlfriend once in a while. I don't think Mom would be mad; I think she wants you to be happy," Braden offered.

Dean tried unsuccessfully to squeeze the tear back that had been threatening to slide down his face.

"I know Dad; I miss her too," Braden said reaching over and brushing the tear off of Dean's face.