I️ woke up to someone furiously shaking me. "Maddison! Maddison!"

I️ could feel my body trying to move and wake up, but I️ couldn't bring myself to open my eyes.

"Dean, her lips are blue. She's ice-cold," Sam said, nervously.

"I️ know, man. We've got to warm her up," Dean said as someone threw a blanket over me and started to rub my arms. "What the hell happened at that house?"

As he said that, all of the memories from the day hit me at once. My eyes shot open, I️ looked up to see my brothers standing over me with worry in their eyes. Every emotion I️ had been holding in from the day exploded out of me, and I️ burst into tears.

March 20th - April 2nd, 2007

A few days later, we left California and found a random motel. Sam and Dean were worried about me and hadn't taken a case in a while.

I️ hadn't really said anything since we left Renee's house, other than short and quick responses if I️ couldn't just simply nod in response to a question. If I️ was forced to say more than that, I️ was knowingly pretty short with Sam and Dean. I️ felt bad, but it was like I️ had so much built up anger that I️ couldn't control myself, and it didn't matter who I️ was giving attitude to.

On top of all that, I️ was starting to think that I️ was actually going crazy. I️ kept seeing a man who called himself Sully and dressed like an overgrown toddler. He said he was here to help me, but his presence was just concerning me. I️ knew Sam and Dean couldn't see him because they never asked why some guy was following me around. I️ also knew he wasn't a ghost because I️ hit him with an iron lug wrench while Dean wasn't looking, but all that did was make Sully keel over in pain, not disappear.

We were on our way to Bobby's, so I️ could stay there for a few days. Dean had gotten a call from Deacon, a man my dad had helped out before. Deacon was a Correctional Officer at Green River County Detention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Apparently, there was something in his prison killing people, and he needed the boys help to stop it. Dean came up with this brilliant idea to finally get caught by the police and arrested. Sam didn't really seem to agree with the idea, but he was going with it. I️, on the other hand, thought it was a completely stupid idea.

After we arrived at Bobby's, Dean grabbed my stuff, and Bobby welcomed us into the house.

"So, tell me about this hair-brained scheme you two cooked up again," Bobby said.

Sam shook his head. "Not my idea."

Dean sighed. "It's not hair-brained. It's a good idea. We're gonna break into a museum in Little Rock. The police'll come arrest us and then when they figure out who we are. The FBI will get involved and throw us in Deacon's prison—"

"You hope." I️ rolled my eyes and scoffed.

"Anyway... after we figure out what this thing is and stop it. Deacon will get us out of the prison, and we'll make our way back here." Dean shrugged. "Shouldn't take more than a few days."

"How's this Deacon character going to get you out?" Bobby asked.

Dean shrugged. "Deacon says he can. I️ trust him."

Sam raised his eyebrows and pursed his lips.

Bobby nodded. "Well, that sounds promising."

I️ scoffed and rolled my eyes. Sully put his hand on my shoulder, which was his way of telling me to be nice. I️ pulled my shoulder away quickly, to brush him off without warning anybody that I️ might be going insane.

"We better get going, Sammy," Dean said.

Sam nodded his head and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, wouldn't want to be late for our arrest."

Dean laughed. "Come on. It'll be fun." He turned to me. "We'll be back soon."

"Sure," I️ said and then took my bag and walked down the hall into Bobby's guest room.

I️ could hear Dean whispering as I️ walked away. "She hasn't been herself lately. We aren't really sure what to do at this point."

"Well, with everything that happened... I'm not surprised. She might not ever be the same little girl." Bobby sighed, sounding sad.

I️ cleared my throat, making the lump that was forming disappear, and then I️ laid down on the bed.

Sam cleared his throat. "All right. See you in a few days, Bobby."

"You boys be safe now," Bobby warned.

I️ heard the front door open.

"We will. Thanks again, Bobby and... good luck," Dean said, and then the door closed.

"Maybe you should try talking to your brothers. They are clearly worried about you," Sully said.

"Leave me alone," I️ said grumpily.

"I'm just here to help. Anything you need," Sully said, cheerfully.

"Like I've told you a thousand times... what would help me is if you left me alone." I️ groaned.

"I️ can't. I️ can't leave a child in need, it's just not in my nature," Sully said.

I️ sat up. "I'm not in need, and if I️ was... I️ definitely wouldn't need you." I️ rolled my eyes and looked away. "I️ can take care of myself."

"Maddison!" Bobby called, "Are you hungry?!"

"No!" I️ yelled back, laying down again and curling up under the blankets.

Bobby appeared in the doorway. "What are you doing, sweet pea? You can't lay in bed all day. It's not even twelve yet."

"I'm tired," I️ said and rolled over onto my other side, so I️ was no longer facing him.

"All right. Well, I'm making ham sandwiches, and then I'm goin' out to work on some cars. Do you want me to leave a sandwich for you?" Bobby asked.

I️ shrugged. "Sure."

"Okay, kiddo," Bobby said and then left the room.

"You know he's just trying to make sure you're okay," Sully said and then sat at the foot of the bed.

I️ rolled my eyes. "I️ know, I'm not stupid."

"I️ know you're not," Sully said.

"You can go now. It's kind of creepy if you watch me sleep," I️ said.

"Maybe you should get up and hang out with Bobby. I'm sure he would like that," Sully said.

I️ shrugged. "Probably not. You're the only one that wants to be around me now."

"That's not true. Sam and Dean are just worried about you. They aren't sure what to do," Sully said.

I️ shrugged, pulling the blankets up tighter to my face.

"Sometimes, when bad things happen, it's good to let other people in. Have you even told them the truth yet?" Sully asked.

"No, and I'm not going to," I️ said.

"Why not? They should know. Maybe they can help you," he said.

"Can you just leave me alone?" I️ asked.

"Maddison, maybe you don't need to tell them about what happened with your mom and Azazel yet... but I️ think you should tell them about what happened with that man," Sully said.

"Shut up! Shut up!" I️ yelled, pulling the covers over my head.

Sully put his hand on my arm. "Maddi, I—"

"Shut up! Shut up! Go away!" I️ yelled through tears.

Then his hand pulled away, and I️ waited a few minutes before pulling the covers back to see no Sully. I️ was relieved to not see him as I️ wiped my tears away on the blankets. I️ was getting so frustrated, my emotions were crazy.

Sometimes I️ felt so much anger build inside of me that I️ wasn't sure what to do, then other times I️ felt completely overwhelmed with sadness. Then there were times that I️ felt nothing... like I️ was empty and didn't care about anything.

All I️ kept going back to was how I️ should've never bothered meeting with Renee. None of this would have happened, and I️ wouldn't have to worry about whatever Azazel had planned for me. And I️ wouldn't know about whatever weird demon power I️ may or may not have.

I️ climbed out of bed and walked down the hallway to the bathroom. I️ had been avoiding looking into mirrors because I️ knew I️ probably looked terrible. I️ turned on the sink, cupped some water in my hands, and splashed it on my face.

I️ took a deep breath and looked at myself. I️ was slightly shocked at my appearance. My curls were drooped and frizzy, looking almost as if they were sad too. My eyes had dark circles under them because I️ hadn't been sleeping much, and when I️ did, I️ would wake up screaming. My cheeks were sunk in because I️ hadn't really been eating that much, but I️ didn't realize how bad it was until I️ saw how much weight I️ had lost. No wonder I️ was seeing things, but even if Sully wasn't real, maybe he was my mind telling me that I️ needed help.

I️ sighed, shook that thought away, and then left the bathroom. I️ walked into the kitchen, where I️ found the ham sandwich that Bobby left for me. I️ took it and sat down at the counter, taking each bite slowly and carefully, like I️ had forgotten how to eat.

Once I️ had eaten half of the sandwich, I️ felt full. So, I️ pushed the plate to the side and walked over to the couch, where I️ sat and looked out of the window, watching Bobby work on one of the hundreds of cars that sat on his property.

"I'm glad you finally decided to eat," Sully said.

I️ turned to see him sitting in Bobby's recliner. "Oh, you're back."

"I️ never left, just gave you a little space." Sully smiled. "I'll always be here when you need me, just like when I️ was there for Sammy."

I️ shook my head. "What?"

Sully smiled. "Yeah, I️ was Sam's friend a few years before you were born."

"You aren't real, though. You're just something my mind made up," I️ said.

Sully shook his head and smiled. "No, I'm your friend when you need me. When Sam was young, he was very lonely and needed a friend, just like you."

"I️ don't need a friend," I️ said.

"Okay, someone to talk to then," Sully said.

I️ shook my head. "I️ don't need that either."

Sully smiled. "Someone to make sure you are okay..."

I️ shook my head. "I—"

"Even though you probably don't need that either," Sully said.

"Right, so if you know that. Why do you keep coming back when I️ tell you to leave?" I️ asked. "Also, I'm not buying this whole Sam story either. You're just something my mind made up, so I️ don't have to think about the bad things that happened to me."

Sully laughed. "Sammy thought I️ wasn't real either." He shrugged. "Just thought he was a lonely kid who made me up 'cause he needed a friend."

I️ furrowed my brow but didn't say anything. I️ went back to watching Bobby. Maybe Sully wasn't lying. I️ mean, with everything we know to exist. It wouldn't be entirely crazy to believe imaginary friends are real. I️ shook my head. People always say that imaginary friends are just kids seeing ghosts. Which is more believable than invisible people that dress like overgrown children that appear only to cheer kids up. I've never met a creature that purely existed to help people, so I️ wasn't sure what to believe.

A few hours later, Bobby cleaned himself up and started heading back to the house, but I️ quickly got up and made my way to the bedroom before he walked in. I️ quickly changed, turned the lights off, and jumped into bed, facing away from the door, not wanting to be bothered.

Bobby walked up to the door and cracked it open. "Goodnight, kiddo," he whispered.

"Te rogamus, audi nos!" I yelled, and then the demon looked up and screamed as black smoke escaped its mouth.

"Yes!" I yelled happily.

Then my heart sank as I watched the man drop to the floor, remembering that there was actually a human behind the demon. Blood gushed from his neck, and he clung to it desperately.

He looked up at me with pleading eyes. "Help..." He choked on blood. "Me..."

"No, no, no." I ran over to him, I took my flannel off and pressed it to his neck. "Oh, god. I'm so sorry." I cried.

"Help..." The man reached his bloody hand up and placed it on my arm. "Me..."

"It's okay, just preserve your energy," I said, tears streaming down my face.

The man coughed up more blood, and then his eyes glazed over, he loosened his grip on my arm, and his hand hit the floor.

"No!" I screamed. "Please..." I cried.

I let go and moved away from the body, sitting in the corner of the hallway. I put my arms around my knees and just stared at the man I had killed. Tears streamed down my face, but I was just silent. I was numb as the man's dead eyes stared at me.

Then the man sat up, his head tilted to the side, causing the gash in his neck to slowly rip open more.

I️ gasped and tried to push myself further back, but I️ was already right up against the wall.

"You killed me..." the man said as thick blood dripped out of his mouth, almost like a waterfall.

"I'm— I'm— I'm so sorry." I️ cried.

"That's not..." He choked, and more blood seeped out. "Good enough..." His eyes started glowing red.

"I️ never meant to. I️ would never mean to hurt someone." I️ cried.

The man started crawling toward me and moving in an eerie way that almost looked like all of his bones were broken. "You did more than that." More blood seeped out of his mouth. "You killed me, and now I️ will never be able to see my family again."

"I'm sorry." I️ cried.

"Stop apologizing." The man grabbed my leg and pulled me to him. He quickly reached up and choked me, each finger cracking as he tightened his grip around my throat.

I️ grabbed his hand, trying to push him away. "Please..." I️ choked.

"You did this to me," the man said as blood dripped onto me, he grabbed a knife and plunged it towards my throat.

"No!" I️ screamed.

"Maddison! Maddison!"

My eyes shot open, and a dark figure sat before me on my bed.

I️ just started punching and screaming. "No! No! No!"

Bobby's face entered the moonlight as he reached forward and grabbed my arms, stopping me from hitting him. "Hey, hey. It's me, it's me."

"He's trying to get me! He's going to kill me!" I️ screamed, and put my head down, sobbing.

Bobby pulled me into a hug. "I'm not gonna let anyone hurt you." Then he rocked me until I️ cried myself back to sleep.

I️ woke up later to the sun shining through the blinds. I️ had been having that dream since it happened, I️ wasn't getting used to it, and almost every time it happened, it got worse. Every time the man looked a little more decayed, and the blood was thicker and darker, but I️ always woke up screaming right before he stabbed me.

"Another rough night?" Sully asked.

"Yeah. Couldn't you tell by the screaming?" I️ asked, "Where were you anyway?"

"I️ thought you didn't want me around," Sully said.

I️ shrugged. "I️ don't, but you usually are anyway."

"I️ was there, but Bobby had the situation handled," Sully said.

I shrugged and got out of bed.

"You have to stop blaming yourself," Sully said.

"Why? It was my fault. A man is dead because of me," I️ said.

"You thought you could trust someone who turned out to be untrustworthy. You would've been killed yourself if you didn't do what you did," Sully said.

I️ turned to look at Sully. "What makes my life any more important than that man's?"

"It doesn't. My point is, you were scared, alone, and needed to defend yourself," Sully said.

"I️ could've done something differently," I️ said.

Sully nodded. "It played out exactly how it was supposed to."

I️ shook my head. "Whatever." I️ turned and walked out of the room.

Once I️ reached the end of the hallway, I️ spotted Bobby in the kitchen.

"Good morning, sweet pea." Bobby turned and smiled at me.

"Morning," I️ said grumpily and sat down in one of the stools in front of the counter.

"How are ya feelin' this morning?" Bobby asked, concern in his eyes.

I️ shrugged. "Fine."

Bobby grabbed a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast and placed it in front of me. "Made you breakfast." He smiled. "Eat up. I got some plans for us today."

I️ pushed the plate away. "I'm not hungry. I️ think I'm just going to take a shower and lay in bed for a while."

Bobby shook his head. "I️ think it would be good for you to do something other than lying in bed all day."

I️ shrugged. "That's what I️ want to do." I️ got up. "So, that's what I'm gonna do." I️ started walking toward the hallway.

Bobby put his hand on my shoulder, preventing me from walking. "I️ think you should at least try to do something else. It's no good wasting away in a bed."

I️ pushed his hand away. "I️ just want to be left alone."

"What's with the attitude?" Bobby furrowed his brow. "Your brothers and I️? All we want to do is help. We know you've been through a lot, but the least you could do is let us try."

I️ shook my head and started walking down the hallway. "Sam and Dean should've never brought me here. I️ can take care of myself!"

"Yeah, I️ can see that. Looks like you haven't gotten out of bed or eaten in weeks!" Bobby yelled after me.

I️ slammed the bathroom door. "Leave me alone!"

"Gladly!" Bobby yelled back, and then I️ heard the front door close.

"You should really listen to him. He's right. They only want to help," Sully said from behind me.

I️ turned around and grabbed his arm, pulling him to the door. "Get out." I️ growled. "I'm trying to take a shower. You always appear at the worst times."

"I️ come around when you need me," Sully said.

"I️ don't need you! I've never needed you! Now for the last time! Leave! Me! Alone!" I️ shouted and pushed him.

"Really? You don't need me?" Sully asked. "You just got into a screaming match with a man you've always looked up to, just because he loves you enough to want to help you."

I️ started swinging and punching at him as tears filled my eyes. "Get out! Get out! Get out!"

Finally, my fists just hit the air as he vanished from sight. I️ screamed in anger and grabbed the soap dish that sat by the sink, throwing it across the room. It left a small dent in the wall as it shattered. I️ leaned against the wall and slid down it. I️ cried as I️ grabbed my legs and rocked myself in the corner of the bathroom.

After calming down, I took my shower and cleaned up my mess.

I️ went back into the bedroom and laid in bed until it was dark. Bobby never came in to check on me or bother me, and Sully left me alone too.

Finally, I️ drifted off to sleep.

I️ hid behind Renee's bed, but this time I️ didn't hear the stomping of the demon's feet coming up the stairs.

I️ heard a grotesque gargling sound. I️ felt sick to my stomach, not wanting to stand up and see what was making that horrible sound. The sound was getting louder, and it finally got to the point where I️ had to stand up to see what was happening.

I️ walked around the bed. Once I️ reached the doorway, I️ peered out to see the man lying on the floor. The blood pouring from his neck and mouth was black and thick. His eyes were sunk in and white, his skin was gray and peeling away. I️ covered my mouth and gasped, completely horrified by what I️ was seeing.

The man pointed up and stared at me with his white eyes. "You."

I️ shook my head. "I— I— I—"

"Don't say you're sorry." Dean suddenly appeared next to me.

"It's not good enough," Sam whispered in my ear as he appeared on the other side of me.

I️ started sobbing and shaking.

"Don't cry. You deserve this," Bobby said as he appeared next to the man's head.

"I️ don't know what to do." I️ cried and put my face in my hands.

Suddenly, a pair of strong hands settled on each of my shoulders. I️ slowly looked up to see my dad's face.

"Daddy?" I️ cried. "Please help me."

Dad took his hands away from my shoulders. "This is your fault." He shook his head. "I️ can't help you."

"Please." I️ cried. "I️ don't know what to do."

He grabbed the back of my head and pointed down to the man, who was still reaching up for me. "Look what you did!"

"I️ know! I'm sorry!" I️ screamed.

"That's not good enough!" Dad yelled and then shoved me down to the man, who grabbed me with his outstretched hand.

"No! Please!" I️ screamed.

As the man pinned me down, each finger cracking as he tightened his grip around my throat.

I️ grabbed his hand, trying to push him away. "Help..." I️ choked.

Sam, Dean, Bobby, and Dad all started chanting, "You deserve this!"

"You did this to me," the man said as blood dripped onto me, he grabbed a knife and plunged it towards my throat.

"No!" I️ screamed.

"Maddi! Maddison!"

I️ opened my eyes to see Sully standing above me, I️ reached out and pulled him into a terrified hug.

"It's okay." Sully sat down, still hugging me, and rubbed my back. "It's okay."

"I'm sorry." I️ cried. "This is all my fault."

"No." He hushed. "You need to forgive yourself."

"I'm pushing away everyone I️ love, and it's like I️ can't stop," I️ said.

"You need to make peace with what happened to you," Sully said, pushing me away so he could look me in the eyes.

I️ shook my head. "I️ don't know how. I️ wish I️ could take everything back."

Sully wiped my tears away. "I️ know, but you have to realize that anyone else that was in your situation would've done the same thing. You were protecting yourself."

"I️ could've done it differently, though. That man could've lived," I️ said.

Sully nodded. "I️ know that he died, but if you hadn't done what you did. That man would've been running around with that demon inside of him doing god knows what."

I️ looked at Sully, just taking in everything he was saying.

"What happened to him was probably more merciful than any other way it could have ended," Sully said.

I️ nodded slowly, still feeling guilty, but a little better about the situation.

"Are you ready to try to go back to sleep?" Sully asked.

I️ shrugged. "I️ think so."

Sully nodded. "Okay, I'll leave you alone now." He stood up.

I️ reached out and grabbed his hand. "Wait. Can you stay?"

A quick flash of shock crossed Sully's face, and then he smiled. "Of course."

I️ laid back down and pulled my blankets up.

Sully sat down next to me. "I'll just sit here until you fall asleep, okay?"

I️ nodded and held his hand. Sully combed his fingers through my hair, and then I️ fell asleep.

The next morning, I️ woke up and walked out to the kitchen where Bobby was making breakfast. I️ sat down at the counter without either of us saying anything to each other.

"How do you want your eggs cooked?" Bobby asked.

"I️ don't care," I️ said shortly.

A few seconds later, Bobby turned around and shoved a plate with two raw eggs on it at me.

I️ shoved the plate back. "Wow. Nice." I️ got up and started walking back toward the room, with a lump in my throat, knowing I️ was still pushing people away.

Bobby put his hand on my shoulder, stopping me from going down the hallway again. "Stop. We are talkin' about this, whether you like it or not. You need to get whatever is eating you up, out. You can kick and scream all you want, but it's happening."

I️ looked up at him and nodded. "Okay."

He furrowed his eyebrows looking slightly confused, and cleared his throat. "Good." He gestured for me to sit on the couch.

We both sat down and faced each other. Sully appeared in the recliner on the other side of the room.

"Start wherever you need to," Bobby encouraged.

I️ took a deep breath and glanced over at Sully, who nodded his head in encouragement. "Well, I'm sure Sam and Dean told you what they saw when they found me."

Bobby nodded.

I thought about telling him the whole story but decided to skip a few things. "So, that man... he was a demon. I️ was tied to a chair when he killed my mom. He was going to kill me, but I️ managed to slip the ropes and stab him in the throat. I️ was able to distract him and get away long enough to draw up a devil's trap upstairs."

Bobby looked at me in shock.

"I️ covered it with a rug and hid before he ran upstairs. When I️ knew he was caught. I️ exorcised him, but when I️ did, the demon was no longer keeping the man inside alive." I️ shook my head as a tear streamed down my cheek. "He died because of me. I️ killed someone."

Bobby took a deep breath, taking everything I️ had just told him in. "Okay, I'm going to tell you something very few people know. I️ think you need to hear it." He looked hesitant.

I️ nodded.

"Do you know why I️ became a hunter?" Bobby asked.

I️ shook my head. "No."

"My story is kind of similar to yours, 'cept the person I️ killed was my wife," Bobby said, looking very serious.

I️ looked at him wide-eyed, not expecting him to say that.

Bobby nodded. "See, at the time, I️ didn't know what a demon was. We got into an argument, and Karen turned violent, she tried to kill me and I—" He looked down, mournfully. "I️ stabbed her, but it had no effect." He sighed. "My friend Rufus came by and helped me, he exorcised her, but she died from her wounds." He shook his head. "Rufus helped me cover up her death and taught me about demons and hunting. I️ was never the same after that. I️ turned to drinking."

"I'm so sorry," I️ said, completely astonished.

"The point of my story wasn't for you to pity me. Point was that every hunter out there's gone through somethin'. You just have to know how to deal with it," Bobby said, "Turnin' to anger or drinking ain't the answer, even though it's the easiest thing to do. Easy ain't usually the right answer."

"Yeah, I️ know. It's just like... I️ can't control it or something." I️ sighed. "I️ guess it's just the easier thing. Everyone leaves me alone when I'm angry, and that's what I've been wanting. I️ just don't know how to talk about what happened."

"Well, you told me. As long as you don't let anything else build-up, you don't need to talk about anything else until you're ready," Bobby said.

I️ nodded. "Thank you."

"Okay. So, Sam left me something that he said you would enjoy if you were feeling better," Bobby said.

I️ furrowed my brow. "What is it?"

"Just a second," Bobby said, then got up and walked into the kitchen.

When he came back, he held out a DVD for me.

"Is this..." I️ took the DVD. "It is." I️ smiled. "But I️ can't watch this, I️ haven't read the book yet."

Bobby shrugged. "Not sure who this..." He read the DVD title. "Harry Potter character is, but Sam said you like him."

"I️ do. I️ need to read the third book first, though," I️ said.

"Well, Sam didn't say nothin' about a book," Bobby said.

I️ smiled and nodded. "Yeah. Okay." I️ thought for a minute. "Uh, you know what. I️ think I️ want to wait for Sam. We've read parts of the first two books together, and we've watched both movies for the first time together."

Bobby shrugged. "All right. Well, I'm gonna go work on some of the cars unless you want to do somethin' else."

"I'll go out with you," I️ said.

"Really?" Bobby asked, looking surprised.

I️ nodded and got up. "Yeah, I️ hang out with Dean when he works on the Impala all the time."

I️ had been sitting on the hood of a car while watching Bobby work on another.

I️ got up and walked over to him. "Can I️ help?"

Bobby looked over at me. "Sure. Do you know what I'm doing?"

I️ nodded. "Oh yeah. You're changing the flux capacitor."

Bobby chuckled. "You watch too many movies, kid."

"You've seen Back to the Future?" I️ asked.

"Yeah, I️ don't live under a rock," Bobby said.

I️ looked at his house, which was completely surrounded by old broken-down cars and then surrounded by woods. "I️ mean kinda." I️ shrugged.

Bobby chuckled and shook his head. "Here, let me show ya what I'm doing. You'd think your brother would teach ya a thing or two about cars."

"Oh, he has. I️ was just kidding. You're changing the oil filter." I️ reached down and pulled out the filter. "And from the looks of this, it hasn't been done in a while." I️ frowned at the dark sludge-like oil that was soaked into the filter.

Bobby took the filter and gave me a new one. "Here you go."

I️ leaned down and installed the new filter. Then Bobby leaned down, screwed it in, and made sure everything was secure.

He reached over and grabbed a bottle of oil and a funnel. "Here, ya go."

I️ filled up the oil. "All right. Now we just have to run the engine and check for leaks."

"Yup." Bobby tossed me the keys.

I️ walked around to the driver's side, got in, and started the engine.

A few minutes later, Bobby looked up at me. "Looks good to me."

I️ nodded and then turned the car off. I️ got out and high-fived Bobby.

He smiled. "I'm glad to see you actin' like your old self."

I️ nodded. "Yeah, me too."

After working on a few more cars, Bobby and I️ watched a couple movies and then called it a night.

I️ woke up the next morning, feeling fully rested after having the first night in weeks without a nightmare.

I️ got up and walked out to meet Bobby in the kitchen. He was already making breakfast for us.

"How does eggs and bacon sound?" Bobby asked as I️ sat down at the counter.

"It sounds good. I'm starving," I️ said.

"Well, eat up then. We have a long day ahead of us," he said as he slid me a plate of food.

"Oh yeah? What are we doing today?" I️ asked as I️ stuffed my face with bacon.

"I️ was thinkin' after you told me what happened. I️ was impressed that you remembered how to make a devil's trap and how to recite an exorcism." Bobby sighed. "But it kinda scared me. 'Cause no one ever taught you those things." He shook his head. "I️ don't want to think about what could've happened if you weren't quick on your feet. So, today I'm gonna teach you some essentials of hunting."

"Really?" I️ asked, completely shocked.

"Yes, really. I️ think if you're gonna be out there with your brothers. You need to know how to defend yourself because you can't always rely on them." Bobby shrugged. "Plus, they might need your help at some point too."

I️ nodded. "All right. It's a plan then." I️ looked down at my empty plate. "Can I️ have some more?"

Bobby laughed. "Yeah, of course."

"All right." Bobby held up a handgun I️ had seen Sam and Dean use many times before. "This is a—"

"A Colt M1911," I️ said.

Bobby nodded. "Yup." He smirked. "It's a single-action, semi-automatic pistol. It's magazine-fed." He popped out the magazine to show me. "And it has .45 caliber bullets." He handed me the gun. "The magazine isn't in it right now. I️ want you to get the positioning down first. So, go ahead."

I️ nodded and took aim.

"Okay. First thing, you're going to want both of your hands on the gun. You'll get better aim and more control," Bobby said, "Do your brothers shoot one-handed? 'Cause I'll need to talk to them if they do."

I️ thought for a second. "Actually, no." I️ shrugged. "I️ guess this is how I️ see it in the movies."

Bobby nodded. "Yeah, you're gonna want to forget anything you've seen in the movies. They just do things to be dramatic, but the techniques are usually wrong."

"Okay." I️ nodded and then aimed the gun with both of my hands.

"Okay. Better, but you never want your finger on the trigger until you're actually ready to shoot. Your trigger finger should be along the side of the gun. So, make sure when you do that, that your thumb falls along the other side as it would naturally, and your other three fingers are around the grip," Bobby instructed, "Then you wrap your left hand around the grip of the gun and marry your thumbs together."

I️ did as he said.

"Okay. Great." Bobby nodded. "Next thing is, you want to make sure your arms are a little more relaxed at the elbows. People think you're supposed to have your arms outstretched and firm, but that ain't true. You'll just get tired faster that way. Plus, you'll have a faster reaction time if someone tries to go for your gun."

I️ did as he said. "Like this?"

"Yup. That's perfect. You're already standing shoulder-width apart, but just make sure your right foot is slightly further back than your left. Also, your knees should be bent just a little bit. That will allow you to move and react quickly if you need to," Bobby said, "Then when you go to shoot, just lean forward slightly. It'll make it more comfortable for your body, which means less fatigue and faster reaction time."

"Okay." I️ nodded and did what he said.

"You ready?" he asked.

I️ nodded. "Yeah, let's do this."

Bobby took the gun and put the magazine back in it, handing it back to me when he was finished. "Go ahead."

I️ got into the position we had just practiced.

"Take aim and shoot when you're ready," Bobby said.

I️ did just that, and a moment later, I️ shot, but as I️ did, I️ jumped back from the recoil.

"All right. So, now that you know what the recoil feels like. Just be aware of it, but don't be scared of it. You could hurt yourself or someone else if you're scared of your gun and don't have control of it," Bobby said.

I️ nodded and retook aim. As I️ shot, I️ prepared myself for the recoil and controlled it much better.

"You're a fast learner. Now we just gotta work on your aim," Bobby said.

"Yeah." I️ shook my head. "I️ aimed and felt dead on, but when I️ actually shot, it was way off."

"Okay, so what I️ want you to do is go ahead and aim," Bobby said.

I️ did.

"All right, so when you feel like you've got it. Take a deep breath and exhale when you shoot," Bobby instructed.

I️ did just that, and the bottle I️ was aiming at exploded.

"Great job. Let's do that a few more times until you feel like you could do it with your eyes closed," Bobby said.

Bobby and I️ practiced shooting until I️ felt relaxed and comfortable with it and until he ran out of bottles to shoot.

After that, he decided to show me how to use a knife in combat without cutting myself. I️ didn't feel too comfortable at first, given the fact that the last time I️ had my knife in my hands, I️ had killed someone.

I️ figured that I️ should learn everything that I️ could and remembered that Dad had given me the knife, so I️ felt like he was there with me.

Later, when it started to get dark out, we came back in, and Bobby set a plate of raw pork chops down in front of me.

"What's this for?" I️ asked, confused.

"Well, I️ think you need to learn how to stitch up a wound. This is the closest thing to skin I️ have that I'm willing to let you practice on," Bobby said.

I️ shrugged. "Okay."

"So, what's the first thing you should do?" Bobby asked.

"Put pressure on the wound to slow the bleeding?" I️ asked.

"Okay." Bobby nodded. "After that?"

"Disinfect it?" I️ asked.

"Right," Bobby said, "With what?"

"Alcohol?" I️ asked. "I've seen Sam and Dean do it with whiskey before."

"Yeah, that's usually the hunters go to." Bobby nodded. "After you've done that, you're gonna wanna sew it up. Usually, we don't have thread lying around, but sometimes it's an option. I️ keep floss in my bag. It's an easy to pack, cheap option."

"Ouch, won't that sting?" I️ asked.

Bobby shrugged. "I️ mean after you have an open wound, whiskey poured over it, and a needle tying your skin together... the last thing you're gonna worry about is a little minty floss. Plus, you don't gotta get floss with mint flavoring on it."

I️ nodded. "True."

"Here's a needle and some floss." Bobby set the items down in front of me. "Oh, and one more thing." He pulled out his knife and stabbed and slashed at the pieces of pork, "Have at it. I'm gonna make dinner."

I️ worked on my stitching techniques until dinner and then went back to it once I️ was finished eating. I️ continued working on my stitching until I️ was doing it swiftly and gracefully, and until I️ felt like I️ should stop because Bobby fell asleep on the couch.

I️ picked up and then woke up Bobby to send him to bed. After we said our goodnights, I️ walked into my room and got ready for bed.

Once I️ changed, I️ laid down and went to turn my lamp off when Sully appeared.

"Where have you been?" I️ asked.

"I've been here. I️ just wanted you to focus on your time with Bobby." Sully smiled. "I️ also wanted to say goodbye."

"What? You're leaving? Why?" I️ asked, slightly upset.

"Well..." Sully sat on the end of my bed. "You don't need me anymore, but two other little girls need me now."

I️ frowned. "Well, as much as I️ said, I️ didn't want you around. I️ secretly didn't want you to leave."

Sully smiled. "I️ know."

I️ smiled. "Thank you."

He reached out and grabbed my hand. "You're welcome." He smiled and then stood up.

"Wait." I️ quickly got up and gave him a big hug. "I'm gonna miss you."

Sully rubbed my back. "I'm gonna miss you too."

I️ stepped back with tears in my eyes. "Bye."

Sully wiped away a tear that slipped down my cheek. "Bye, Maddi." He stepped back and waved, disappearing with the sweet smile that he always had.

I️ smiled sadly and then jumped back into my bed, quickly falling asleep.

The next morning I️ woke up to a knock on the front door.

"Mornin' boys," Bobby said.

I️ quickly jumped out of bed and ran down the hall with my pjs on, not stopping until I️ collided into Sam and Dean with a big hug.

Dean laughed. "Miss us, huh?"

I️ stepped back. "Yeah, of course."

"Did you have fun with Bobby?" Sam asked.

I️ looked up at Bobby and smiled thankfully. "Yeah."

"Did you guys watch Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban?" Sam asked.

I️ shook my head. "No, I️ wanted to watch it with you."

Sam smiled. "Okay, I've got the book in my bag if you're interested."

I️ smiled and nodded. "Yeah, definitely."

Bobby patted my shoulder. "All right. Why don't you go pack up."

I️ walked off back to the room and started getting ready to leave.

"Look, boys, I️ know she seems better, but I️ think there's a little more goin' on that she didn't talk to me about," Bobby said quietly, "She told me a little about what happened that day, but she didn't say much about her mom... I️ think there's more to the story."

"All right. We'll keep watch," Dean said.

"Yeah, just don't push. Let her come to you," Bobby instructed.

"Hear that, Sammy?" Dean asked.

"What?" Sam asked.

"Don't push," Dean said.

"Yeah, I️ know," Sam said, sounding annoyed.

"Just making sure. You've been known to do the opposite," Dean said.

"Shut up." Sam scoffed.

I️ finished getting ready and then carried my bag out to them.

"Ready?" Dean asked as he smiled down at me.

I️ nodded. "Yup."

"All right." Dean grabbed my bag and then looked at Bobby. "Thanks again."

Bobby nodded. "No problem."

"Bye, Bobby," Sam and Dean said and then walked out.

I️ turned to Bobby and gave him a hug. "Thank you... for everything."

Bobby rubbed my back. "You're welcome, sweet pea." He kissed my forehead. "All right. Go catch up with your brothers."