The cold morning air stings my cheeks as I sip my coffee, the sun just beginning to rise. Castiel takes a deep breath as he stands next to me on the porch, calmly surveying the forest view.

This is my first morning without Noland and I'm grateful that I didn't have to wake up alone. "Thank you for everything you've done, Castiel. I don't know how I can repay you." I say, placing a hand on his shoulder.

He turns, his face solemn. "Just have faith Tara, you will get him back."

I try to take strength from his words. I will get him back. I am a hunter, if anyone can save him, it will be me. But these days ahead of me will be hard. I will be more alone than I have ever been.

I know Castiel is on my side, and will help me when he can, but he won't be with me, by my side. He is here right now, but soon he'll be gone, and all that will be left is the stains on my couch; the stains on his trench-coat.

Until we meet again.

"Before you go," I say, setting down my coffee cup on the railing. "I want you to have this." I reach up and unchain my long silver chain necklace, a tiny pentagram hanging from it.

Castiel looks at me, frowning. "Why?"

"To remind you of me and Noland." I clasp it around his neck.

He looks down at the necklace, then turns his back on me and walks away a few feet. "I will not forget you."

I swallow hard. "Goodbye, Castiel."

"Goodbye, Tara."

And then he is gone too.