A/N: It's been a while since I've seen the pilot, so bear with me if there's any inconsistencies. And if you're waiting for more of "Tracks", rest assured that I'm doing my best to work on it. For now, enjoy this instead.
Cognizant
The room was dark. In the next room, Sam was crying.
John groaned, blinking the sleep from his eyes and stumbling to his feet. He made his way to the hallway, heading towards Sam's room. As he neared it, he noticed something strange.
Through the half-open door, light was streaming into the hallway.
John suddenly felt fear, flooding through him though he could see no reason for it. He continued regardless, opening the door, which responded with a long, weary creak.
John reached his son and instantly lifted him into his arms. The boy, though, wasn't looking at his father. Following Sam's gaze, John's eyes traveled upward – only to meet those of his wife, pinned to the ceiling.
Stunned, he gasped –
And awoke abruptly. The air seemed to be long in coming. The terror, however, lingered.
Slowly, so very slowly, he began to calm. He looked over, and, yes, there was Mary. Sleeping soundly, peaceful… and alive. Very much alive.
John sighed. Once again, it was just a dream.
He rolled over, shutting his eyes against the darkness. Finally, he managed to drift off.
Then, breaking through the haze sleep had wrought in his mind, came the sound of crying.