Moving on…
I woke just before dawn with Annie cuddled in the crook of my arm, fast asleep and smiling. The pillow beneath my head was wet with tears, but I didn't feel sad anymore, or angry or scared like I had all those times before. The werewolves were gone, or at least the Franconia Notch pack was, forever. Annie was here beside me and Dad and Sammy were just down the hall. My scars would heal and so would theirs. I had a good feeling that I may have finally seen the last of those nightmares, finally.
The future… now there was a concept! I've never thought of the future past the next hunt. Now…well there were definite possibilities that had never been there before. Whether I would follow through on any of them didn't matter. It just felt good to know that they were there. I would never give up the hunting of course, but now there was…more. (So that was what Sam had been talking about?)
Dad had announced last night that we're putting the hunting on hold until I've healed. If something does come up he'll go with Sam, but I'm apparently not allowed near anything supernatural until I'm back to myself. I've got to give the man points for trying. He is my Dad after all and it's nice to know he cares enough to try it. Let's face it though, I'm twenty six and as stubborn as they get. If something comes up I'll be there. That's just the way it is. Whether I'll let Annie come along or not…well, I'll just deal with that particular decision when the time comes. I have no doubt she can handle the life, she's been living it herself in her own way for the last sixteen years. I don't think I want to see her risk her life like that. I think it would be more than I have the strength to watch… But that's an argument for us to have later. Hopefully much, much later.
Right now? Well, I think I'll start with a shower…put on a pot of coffee…and then maybe I'll try my hand at mowing the lawn. You know, try something new…
It's about time someone helped Annie fix this place up a bit. A run around the yard with the lawn mower, a little paint…the place'll be good as new in no time. Sure I'm sore but when have I ever let a few scratches and a little discomfort slow me down?