Disclaimer: refer to chapter one
NOTE TO READERS: Thanks for the reviews on all of the previous chapters! This chapter is the longest one yet. I had so much to cover. I hope you enjoy this latest installment. Let me know how I'm doing. Thanks again!
Chapter Nineteen
Give Me Shelter
By Dawn Nyberg
"…I'm so tired, but I can't sleep, standin' on the edge of something much too deep. It's funny how we feel so much, but we cannot say a word. We are screaming inside, but we can't be heard …" excerpt by Sarah McLachlan, I Will Remember You
"Missouri?" Dean's voice shook and cracked in desperation.
"Oh, Dean, honey," she soothed as images and thoughts assaulted her mind. Missouri could feel the panic and fear rolling off Dean. The tsunami of emotions was threatening to sweep her away until she closed off her mind to the onslaught hitting her.
"I know it's late, but you're the only person I could think to call," his voice cracked. He still stood in the hallway unmoving. Sam had disappeared into the elevator and was headed to the ER.
"It's okay," Missouri comforted.
"I don't know what to do Missouri," Dean pleaded. "Dad's in critical condition and Sammy's on the way to the ER. I don't know ..."
"Your daddy had a heart attack?" Missouri prodded. She had to see if she was in tune with Dean's thoughts.
"Yeah, and Sammy…" Dean voice fell off. "I need…"
"Dean, honey I can be on the first plane to you."
"Missouri?" Dean's voice sounded lost.
"Dean, listen to me," Missouri's voice was gentle, but commanding. She had read his thoughts and knew everything she needed to know. "Go to the ER and be with Sam. Your father is in good hands right now," she comforted. "I know you're torn, but it's gonna be okay. You hear me?" There was a long silent pause. "Boy, answer me! I'm not talkin' to hear my own voice." She knew she had to take the bull by the horns with Dean Winchester. "You hear me!"
"Yes, ma'am," Dean's voice was quiet.
"And, none of that ma'am crap either," Missouri replied. "I will be on the first flight out of here, and don't you worry about a thing." Missouri jotted down hospital information and assured Dean she would be there.
Dean glanced at his watch as he snapped his cell phone closed. "Damn, it's been twenty-minutes all ready." He left for the elevator filled with a strong need to see his little brother.
The Emergency Room
Dean rushed from the elevator and headed toward the ER main desk. "My brother Sam Winchester was brought down from the second floor," Dean was breathless. "Where is he?" A woman looked up from behind the desk clerk that was tapping Sam's name into the computer.
"It's okay Laura," the woman patted her shoulder. "You're the older brother?"
"Yeah….?" Dean eyed her. "Where is my brother?"
"Dr. Miles the resident that began treatment upstairs has turned the case over to your brother's physician," she glanced at her paperwork. "Ah, a Dr. Myers, correct?"
"She's here all ready?"
"Yes, she was in town having dinner apparently when she received the page," the woman smiled. "She was two blocks over … uncanny really."
"You said my brother is in the MRI," Dean's eyes were anxious. "Should I go there?"
"No, Dr. Myers said she'd come get you here or up in CICU when she had some information for you. I'd suggest you just go back up to the waiting room in CICU and she'll contact you there. I'm positive she'll put your brother in ICU around the corner from CICU for observation purposes." Dean felt torn yet again, but he knew the woman was right. "I doubt they'll be back to the ER at this point. There is a treatment room across from the MRI should they need to treat your brother further before taking him to ICU."
"Okay," Dean answered absently. "And, she knows for sure that I'm in CICU?"
"Yes, she's been made aware of your father's status and that you're in the unit."
"Okay, thanks." Dean wandered back to the elevator as if in a fog. He felt on sensory overload, and knew a crash was coming, but he couldn't afford it right now. His entire family was in immediate danger and his thoughts were consumed by that one notion. His one comfort was that he knew Missouri was on her way. His relationship with the feisty woman from Lawrence had been a bit rocky, but he still felt she was the one person he could turn to for help and her psychic abilities might come in handy.
Dean was about to hit the button for the elevator, "Mr. Winchester!" He startled at the shout and turned to see the woman he had spoken to just a minute ago holding a phone away from her ear and her eyes looked concerned. Dean ran toward her.
"What is it?"
"You're needed in the MRI Treatment Room … the doctor wasn't specific, but she said she needed you right away. Here," she said putting the phone down. "Follow me, those treatment rooms are hard to find." Dean followed her all the while his heart pounding. As they approached a long vacant hallway accessible to medical staff Dean could hear his brother screaming his name.
Treatment Room MRI 2
Dean saw Dr. Myers and waved a thank you at the woman that led him here and he ran to Sam's doctor. "Dean! Dean!" Sam's yelled.
"Dean," Dr. Myers saw the older brother approach.
"Let me in there he's screaming for me," Dean barked.
"He's altered Dean … he regained consciousness shortly after the MRI and yanked his breathing tube before we could even stop him." Dean stared at her.
"Altered?"
"It's common after a lengthy seizure, but his reaction is a bit extreme" the doctor replied. "But, I thought I better have you come down. I just need you prepared."
"Dean! I www…want my brother! Dean!" That was all Dean needed to hear and he burst into the room surprising the staff. He went to Sam's side on the gurney. They had put restraints on him as he thrashed around.
"Sammy, shh…" Dean soothed as brushed back his brother's bangs. "I'm right here, calm down Sammy."
"Dean," Sam's voice quieted, but his eyes were frantic and slightly glassy. "Dad…"
"He's holding his own Sammy. But, we gotta worry about you right now. You gotta calm down." Sam lifted his head off the gurney pulling against the restraints.
"No," Sam replied. "Dad's in ttt…trouble." His voice was a mere raspy whisper.
"Sam … dad's holding his own." Dean comforted. Sam looked at the medical staff standing nearby listening including Dr. Myers.
"I need to ttt…talk to hhh…him alone," Sam forced out his eyes still holding their frantic and glassy appearance. Dean looked up at the staff, and Dr. Myers nodded to them to leave as she could see Dean was having a calming effect on Sam.
"Sammy?" Dean studied his brother.
"Vvv…vision Dean," Sam whispered. "Dad … I saw a clock … it said 11:30 … I don't know… ttt…they said it www…was another clot. They ddd…don't catch it, Dean," Sam's voice hitched. "Save dad or he'll die." Dean's eyes were intense as his eyes switched from his brother's eyes to the wall clock in the room it was 11:00 PM and he bolted from the room. Dr. Myers and the staff just stared at his retreating figure and went back into the room with Sam who had settled down and no longer fought the restraints.
CICU
Connie spotted Dean as he hurried into the unit toward his father's room. "Is something wrong? I heard about your brother is he all right?"
"My dad," Dean looked at his father. "You have to get his doctor in here."
"Dean, your father is as stable as he can be right now. He's fine." Dean turned stricken eyes toward Connie and the sheer vulnerability and desperation in them gave her a sense of alarm. "What is it?"
"Connie, please, I know this is going to sound wacko, but…" Dean didn't know how to approach this, but his father was running out of time and if Sam's vision was right their dad would die tonight and soon. "There's another clot forming."
"What?" Connie looked at her patient who's vitals she had just checked and hadn't noted anything additional wrong.
"Look you can think I'm nuts … I don't care, but there is something happening and if it isn't caught soon…" Dean turned his eyes from Connie and stared at his unconscious and very still father. His eyes glanced toward his father's heart monitor. "There! What was that?" Connie's eyes darted to the monitor.
"His rhythm is stable considering the heart attack." She tried to reassure.
"No!" Dean insisted. "Please, just watch." He knew he had seen something a little flicker, something was off. And, as he stared at it for what seemed like an eternity as the minutes ticked by … there it was again. "You saw that right?"
"Yeah," Connie walked over to the monitor and started a tape printing. It was a brief ST elevation followed by a PVC and Connie was sure she had seen it. And, then the tape picked up another one. It was transient, but then John's monitor showed a run of three PVC's and she knew Dean was right … something was happening. The clock read 11:15.
Dr. Jay was given a STAT page to CICU, and he ran in from a nearby unit, and before Dean knew what was happening he was pushed from his father's room and told to wait in the CICU waiting room. He had caught only the tail end of one of the doctor's orders as he retreated to the waiting room … administer a Heparin Bolus 5,000 units. We gotta thin his blood.
CICU Waiting Room, 11:45 PM
"Dean?" And, he darted his eyes upward from the floor to look at Dr. Myers. He stood.
"How's Sammy?"
"Much calmer. He was sleeping soundly in the ICU when I left. I gave him a mild sedative. I'm going to keep him there over night for observation, but I think I'll be able to move him to neurology tomorrow and I'll either release him in the late afternoon tomorrow or early the following day. I'll decide tomorrow."
"Release him?" Dean was taken aback. "He was blue. And foaming from his mouth," he stared at the doctor wide-eyed. "What happened? That wasn't like any seizure I've ever seen him have."
"Sam suffered a grand mal seizure Dean." It was the one thing Dean was hoping not to hear. "They aren't easy to witness especially if you're family. And, often people … well in a sense hold their breath while seizing, but his prolonged and from what I was told very violent sudden onset most likely caused the respiratory arrest, but he began spontaneously breathing on his own in the ER, and as you know subsequently pulled his own tube out before we could stop him."
"I've looked at his new scan and the lesion on his brain isn't that much bigger, and shouldn't pose a grand mal threat. I will be adjusting his medication and adding another med to his daily regimen. I believe his emotional state may have exacerbated the problem."
"He had an episode earlier in the ER when we were waiting. But, it only lasted maybe six minutes. It was just his arm and hand like usual. Did I screw up? Should I have got him to a doctor?"
"No, Dean," Dr. Myers consoled. "You've been dealing with the Jacksonian seizures for awhile now, and you handle them properly. You could have never seen this coming. Look," she paused. "I know you've got a lot to deal with right now with your father, but Sam is going to be okay. This won't set him back. I've examined him and there doesn't appear to be any permanent damage from this seizure. When he's released though," she began. "I'd like him to rest at home for at least a couple days."
"Sure, I'll have him tied down if he won't stay put." He replied as he rubbed a hand through his hair as a stress release. "Um, my dad's doctor won't let Sammy see him. He was going to call you tomorrow. Can you go make sure the doctor knows that Sam can handle seeing our dad?"
"Sure."
"Ah, something was happening and they shoved me out … but they haven't come back out."
"How about I go see what's up and I'll talk to your father's doctor. Who is it anyway?"
"Dr. Jay," Dean supplied.
"Oh really," she said with a smile. "I know his father quite well. I'll go speak with him."
"Thanks." Dean watched the doctor walk out and he sat back down. He wanted to go see Sam, but he had to know if their father was okay. He was silently thankful for Sam's vision, but cursing the fact it could have killed his brother when it coupled with a seizure. And, he was a little troubled by the nature of this vision. After all, the common triggers weren't present … the demon or a link to another psychic kid. It was possible his abilities were growing, Dean thought. No matter the reason he felt thankful because their father would have probably died. But, right now he just wanted to know how his father was doing.
CICU Waiting Room, Midnight
Dean was exhausted as he heard voices and approaching footsteps. He stood up just as both Dr. Jay and Dr. Myers walked in. "Dean?" Dr. Myers spoke first. "I just wanted to tell you that Dr. Jay has no problems with Sam seeing your father once Sam's released from the hospital and cleared off prescribed home rest."
"Thanks, and what about my dad?" Dr. Myers turned to Dr. Jay.
"Well, that's my queue to leave. I'm going to swing by ICU one last time to check in on Sam, and then I'll be heading out. I'll be back tomorrow to check on him … probably around 8:30 or 9:00." Dean smiled and nodded. He turned his attention back to his father's doctor.
"Well? How is he?"
"Alive," Dr. Jay replied. "You know if that clot hadn't been caught when it had your father was headed for a second attack, and in his condition it would have killed him."
"But, he's gonna be okay?"
"He's stabilized. I've given him some anti-coagulants to thin his blood, and we've started him on a couple other IV meds," the doctor commented. "He's still in critical condition, but I'm hopeful."
"Can I see him?"
"Well, I suppose, after all, Connie tells me you're the one that brought her attention to his heart monitor. I'll walk you in, so Connie doesn't chase you off."
"Thanks," Dean replied.
"No problem," Dr. Jay stopped and looked at Dean. "Um … I feel like I should apologize for earlier and my reaction to your brother. I was wrong. And, I didn't know anything about your brother to make assumptions about him. Uh, I should have trusted your word about him. I asked Dr. Myers about him … I'm glad he's going to be okay."
Dean was still angry, but he cut the doctor some slack. He could tell the apology was genuine. "We all make mistakes Doc. Can I see my dad now?"
"Sure."
Dean stood by his father's side watching him. "Dad?" his voice was a mere whisper. "Looks like Sammy's weird head saved your ass," he commented with a slight smile. "Uh, don't worry or anything okay. Sam sort of ended up in the ICU, but Dr. Myers says he's just in over the night for observation. He's gonna be fine. I'll make sure he's good." Dean paused. "I called Missouri dad. I had to. I'm drowning and with Sam needing home rest when he leaves it'll work out. I just can't be in two places at once and right now I think you need me more." Dean felt strange talking to his father like this. "I feel like I let Sammy down dad … I've hardly been there for him tonight, but you're…" Dean picked up his father's cool hand and held it. "You need to keep fighting dad for Sammy and … for me, okay? You promised you wouldn't leave again."
"Dean?" Connie stuck her head in. "I hate to cut your visit short, but the doctor ordered an echocardiogram for your father before he heads out for the night."
"Oh, okay. Can I have one minute?"
"Sure."
"Um, dad they're shoving me out. I guess you're having some test or something. Look Dad I'm going to tell your nurse that I'm going to be in ICU with Sammy. I'll be back."
Meanwhile, ICU, Sam's Room
Sam was pulled from his sedated slumber with thoughts of his father. He didn't know if he had been able to warn Dean in time, and the blatant lack of his big brother's presence unnerved him. His room was quiet except for the quiet beep of his heart monitor and the occasional beep from his IV pump as it cycled. His room had a window and the moonlight filtered in through the closed blinds. He raised his head and looked around his room examining the shadows out of habit. He felt desperate for news about his father. He felt inadequate at being able to help is brother … and now he was in ICU, yet one more weight on his big brother's all ready burdened shoulders. He felt his eyes start to burn with hot tears. He dropped his head back on his pillow his face wet with silent tears. He felt his hand and arm begin to twitch as a nurse walked in.
She saw he was awake as she entered. "I just wanted to check …" her voice trailed off when she saw the localized seizure activity and immediately referred to Sam's chart to read the written doctor orders. She read the orders and proceeded to administer the medication that Dr. Myers had left charted should there be any seizure activity. "Its okay sweetie," the nurse comforted. "This will fix you right up. It's okay." There was a noise at the door and the voice brought Sam's head around on his pillow.
"What's wrong? Is my brother okay?" Dean's voice was alarmed.
"He was having a small Jacksonian seizure, but I just gave him some medication. He'll be fine." Dean looked at his little brother and saw his tear streaked face.
"Can I see him?"
"Of course. Just yell if you need anything."
"Thanks." Dean walked to Sam's side instantly. "Hey, what's wrong?" He hated seeing his brother's tears.
"How's dad?" Sam's eyes were afraid.
"Well, psychic wonder … if it hadn't been for your vision dad would have had another heart attack. They were able to stop it. He's still critical, but he's as stable as they can expect. Now, Mr. Change the Subject … what the hell's going on? What has you so worked up?" Sam turned his face away as a shiver worked its way through his body.
"Nothing. I'm okay. Ggg…go be with dad. I'm ggg…good."
"Hey, I just came from there okay, so I can't see him again for another hour. I'm exactly where I want to be." Sam shook his head.
"I'm sss…sorry," he offered as he turned his eyes away.
"Sammy, what about? There isn't anything to apologize for."
"First Dad and then me," Sam began.
"Stop right there kiddo," Dean's voice stern, yet gentle. "You had a vision Sam, and it mixed with a little seizure that turned into a big one. It wasn't your fault. You got it?"
"But…"
"Don't but me," Dean chided. "It wasn't your fault, and if it hadn't been for that vision we would have lost dad. You saved his life Sammy."
"You got him the hhh…help," Sam added.
"Well, you told me what was wrong. Look," Dean began as he studied his brother's pale and tired features. "You've been through the ringer tonight … I want you to get some sleep. Um… I called Missouri Sammy," Dean saw his little brother's eyes go wide with surprise. "We need the help. The doc says you're going to be on home rest for a couple of days or so and then you can see dad," Dean explained. "And, that works out because Missouri can stay with you while I stay with dad."
"I ddd…don't need a babysitter," Sam's voice was soft and sounded defeated.
"She's not here to babysit Sam," Dean replied. "But, look man you had a grand mal seizure and I'm not messing around with that. If I let you stay home alone and you have one … you could die and you know it. Hell, you had one right here in the hospital and I still coulda lost you." Sam looked at his brother and saw the raw emotion in is eyes. He also saw a haunted look in Dean's eyes, and knew he was responsible for that.
"It was bbb…bad?" Sam questioned.
"You scared the shit out of me little brother," Dean's answer was bluntly honest. "I don't want to see another one of those seizures as long as I live. I really thought I was losing you right there on that floor." Sam didn't know what to say. It wasn't an all together rare event these days since his head injury for his brother to be more affectionate with him and open, but this admission was brutally honest and it stunned Sam.
"I'm sss…scared Dean," Sam turned soulful eyes to his brother.
"Hey Sammy, you're going to be fine man. The doc said so. She's taking good care of you … always has."
"Www…what if the visions ccc…cause more seizures?" This was a question that had been plaguing the back of Dean's mind since it occurred.
"We'll figure it out Sammy. It's going to be okay. And, this was the first vision you've had since we were in Salvation. I think it was just bad timing … you know a seizure because you were all worked up and then the vision hit." He felt he was grabbing at straws to reassure his brother, but he couldn't just not try and comfort Sam. It was what he did. Sam nodded. He wasn't sure he believed his big brother, but he knew that Dean needed his reassurances as much as he needed them from his big brother.
"When is Miss…ouri getting here?"
"She said she'd take the first plane out." Sam smiled. He was glad that his brother would have someone he could depend on since at the moment he wasn't able to help him the way he needed it.
"You nnn…need to sleep Dean." Sam offered.
"I will," he replied. "But not just now. I don't want you worrying about me getting sleep Sammy."
"You'll mmm…make yourself sick," Sam offered.
"No, I won't make the same mistake twice Sammy. I'm not landing back in the hospital. I promise." Sam decided he wasn't going to push. Dean was on the razor's edge and Sam wasn't going to be the extra push.
"Ggg…go see dad," Sam urged. Dean looked at the clock in Sam's room.
"I will after you fall asleep," he replied with a smile.
Twenty Minutes Later, Sam's Room
Dean sat watching Sam sleep. His breathing was deep and steady. He found himself watching his brother's body for the slightest twitch or tremor. He was thankful that his body remained at peace. He watched the steady natural rise and fall of his little brother's chest and found comfort in the fact it wasn't mimicking their father's mechanical rise and fall. He brushed his hand gently against his brother's bangs and smiled warmly. "Sweet dreams Sammy," he whispered and left the room. He stopped at the nurse's station and spoke to Sam's night nurse Vicki. "If he needs me or there's a problem you can reach me in either the CICU or its waiting room." And, he left for CICU and the hopes of seeing his dad soon.
CICU Waiting Room, 6:30 AM
Dean had succumbed to sleep around 4:30 AM and had remained asleep in his chair. He thought he felt someone near, but his fatigue kept him under until a voice spoke to him gently. "Dean, honey?" Missouri's voice was soft and very un-Missouri like as she reached down and touched his cheek.
"Missouri?" Dean's eyes snapped open, but his voice was plainly sleep laden.
"In the flesh child," she smiled at him. "Well, let me get a look at you," she replied. She looked Dean over with an observant gaze. "You need some decent sleep and a good meal boy!" He laughed lightly.
"I ate," he offered. She turned and eyed the half eaten foil wrapped burger from the cafeteria.
"That isn't eating Dean Winchester. Now, first things first … I'm going to see that you eat breakfast and then we'll deal with everything else."
"But…" Dean looked at his watch and was surprised at the hour. "Man, how'd you get here so quick?"
"I told you I'd get the first flight out and I did. Now, pick your butt up and let's get some food into you."
"I need to be here Missouri. My dad and Sam," his voice trailed off.
"You won't do either of them any good boy if you ignore your own health. Move your back side child," she chided and he felt compelled to obey.
"I should tell them where I'm gonna be," he hedged.
"You've all ready told them how to contact you," she supplied as she leafed through his thoughts. "Now, stop stalling and come to the cafeteria for an actual breakfast." Dean complied.
CICU, 8:00 AM
Dr. Jay had begun his rounds and after seeing John decided to brief Dean. He walked into the waiting room and was surprised to see an African-American woman sitting with Dean. "If this is a bad time," he offered. Dean stood immediately.
"No, no," Dean answered. "This is a family friend. She flew in early this morning. This is Missouri Mosley," he introduced her. "And, Missouri this is my dad's doc … Dr. Jay." Dean paused as the two shook hands. "You can talk in front of her."
"Okay," Dr. Jay replied. "Your father is doing well this morning. His cardiac output his good and I will taper off the anti-coagulants today some time to a more maintenance level as opposed to an acute treatment level. And, the echocardiogram from last night actually looks pretty good. I was pleased with what I saw. I'm going to keep him sedated for another day or so and then I'll start reducing to allow him to wake up. And, once that happens I'll see about weaning him from the ventilator gradually."
"So, the second clot didn't cause any damage?"
"It was caught in time before it completely occluded the vessel triggering another heart attack and starving the heart muscle for blood. Your father is doing well considering where we were just yesterday when he was brought into the ER. I'll check back in on him later when I finish the rest of my rounds and consults."
"Thanks." Dean watched the doctor leave and turned to Missouri. "Well? Was he holding back?" Missouri smiled.
"No, Dean," she replied. "He's actually pretty optimistic about your daddy, but he won't tell you that just because … well, you shouldn't count your chickens before the hatch."
"Yeah, but he's optimistic, huh?"
"Yes," Missouri answered easily. Dean looked at his watch.
"Man, I gotta go see Sammy and it's time to see dad." Missouri put her hand out to calm him.
"One thing at a time child. Look you go see your daddy and I'll look in on Sam. After all, you've all ready shown me where the ICU is and told them I can see him. And, that nurse that took over his care this morning she seems very nice." Dean smiled. Missouri had always had a way telling him how its gonna be and he respected that.
"Yeah, that's Sue. She should be an honorary Winchester as many times as she's taken care of me or Sammy while in that unit. She's cool. But, I should see …"
"No, Dean," Missouri spoke. "You need to be with your daddy. Just trust me to care for Sam. Your brother is fine. And, after you see your father and I come back … I'm going to see you eat some breakfast." Dean nodded. Missouri turned to go see Sam in the ICU.
"Tell Sammy I said hi and you can fill him in on what the doctor said."
"Go see your father."
ICU, Sam's Room
He was awake when Missouri walked in. He smiled at her. "Hi Missouri," Sam spoke softly. "It's bbb…been a long ttt…time."
"Yes, it has. Too long," she replied. She walked over and took his hand over the side rails of his bed. "Oh, honey…" Sam looked away.
"Don't rrr…read me," he withdrew his hand. Missouri smiled and sat down beside his bed still keeping her hand near Sam just to provide him some comfort.
"I don't have to touch you to read your thoughts Sam. And, the way everything is just pouring off of you I can't block it all. Let me help child."
"How's Dean and my Ddd…dad?"
"Your brother is burning the candle at both ends and I'm trying to get him sorted out. Your daddy was given a good progress report this morning by his doctor." Sam turned hopeful eyes to Missouri.
"Really?"
"Yes," Missouri was about to say something else when Dr. Myers walked in. Sam did the introduction between the women. Missouri stepped outside Sam's room to allow Dr. Myers to exam Sam.
"Well, I see on your chart that you had a minor Jacksonian seizure last night, but nothing else." Sam shook his head.
"I www…want out of hhh…here," Sam complained.
"I understand that Sam … really I do. If I were you I'd be tired of any and all medical establishments. But, I'd really like to keep you in the neurology unit another day."
"Why? I'm fff…fine."
"Sam I know you feel fine, but you have to understand you had a grand mal seizure and with the small break through activity that occurred last night despite the anti-convulsive medications you've been given I'm concerned."
"I www…want to see my ddd…dad." Dr. Myers let out a long sigh.
"All right, I'll talk to his doctor and see about allowing you to see him once you're transferred to the neurology unit."
"That's on the thh…third floor … jjj…just let me go while I'm here." Dr. Myers smiled.
"Now, I know why your recovery has gone as well as it has … you're an extremely tenacious young man … I'm sure you give your brother and father a run for their money." Sam offered up a real smile. "Fine, I'll see what I can do. I think you're stable enough for a visit, but you have to promise me you won't get all worked up."
"Ppp…pro…mise."
Twenty Minutes Later, CICU Waiting Room
Dean was surprised to see Sam wheeled into the waiting room by Missouri. He was dressed in his hospital gown and a thin robe. "Well, the boy talked himself into a hall pass and visit with your daddy." Dean smiled.
"You okay for this Sammy?"
"I'm fff…fine."
"I'll take him Missouri." The woman smiled and took a seat as Dean wheeled his brother through the automatic doors. Connie looked up from filing at the nurse's desk as the two brothers approached.
"Hi there … Sam is it?"
"Yes."
"Well, Dr. Jay told me you'd be coming by this morning to visit your father. Now Dean is going to wait here and I'll take you in." Sam turned his face upward and looked at his brother. Dean smiled and nodded.
"It's okay Sammy. I can see you and dad from here. It's okay." Sam nodded and then turned his face toward his father's room. He could see his father through the glass window partition and Connie took him inside.
"I'll be back in ten minutes Sam. If you need me or your brother we're just outside."
"Thh…thank you."
"You're welcome honey."
Sam sat at his father's bedside and slid his hand under his father's. "Hi ddd…dad. It's Sss…Sam. I would hhh…have come sooner, but…" he felt frustrated by his speech and took a breath. "You're gonna bbb…be okay." Sam felt his father's cool slack hand in his own warm one. He studied his father's pale features and found himself looking at the monitors and equipment. "Was this www…what it was like when I was in a coma?" He asked his father not really expecting an answer. "Dean's been ggg…great dad. He's here fff…for you and me ttt…too. I worry about hhh…him." Sam paused a moment. "Miss…ouri is here now. Bbb…but … I bet Dean ttt…told you all ready." Finally Sam just wanted to sit with his father and squeeze his hand gently to let him know he was there. He decided there was no need for words.
"Sam?" Connie's voice was quiet behind him. "Time's up."
"All ready?" He asked not looking away from his father.
"Yes, I know it goes quick, but you can come back again." She took Sam out and gave him back to his brother.
"You good Sammy?" Dean asked as he put a hand on his brother's shoulder.
"Fff…fine."
"Well, let's get you back to ICU. I know Dr. Myers is having you transferred to the third floor this morning."
"No, you shh…should stay here," Sam encouraged. "Miss…ouri will take mmm…me back. You visit with ddd…dad. It's your ttt…turn."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
"Well, let me take you back to Missouri and I'll do my ten minute visit with dad. Look Sammy I'll be there when they take you up, okay?" Sam smiled and nodded.
"Only if you can," Sam concentrated to make his words come out right.
"Trying to get rid of me little brother?" Dean said with a chuckle as he wheeled Sam toward the waiting room that held Missouri.
"Nev…er."
Two Days Later
Sam been discharged from the hospital yesterday, and he wanted desperately to be at the hospital, but Dr. Myers had put him on strict rest for at least the next couple days or so. He saw Dean only when his brother came home to shower and be forced to eat a meal prepared by Missouri. Sam sat on the couch hating himself for not being able to be with Dean and their dad. Dean had told him when he was home earlier that they had begun to lessen their father's sedatives late last night, and that they expected him to wake up today. Sam wanted to be there, but Missouri was keeping a tight leash on him.
"It'll be okay Sam. Your daddy is going to come home," Missouri comforted as she came into the room with a cup of hot chocolate for the young man. "Here, drink this." Sam took the mug and looked at the contents.
"Hot chh…choc…olate?"
"Yep, in this cold weather it'll do you good. Did you take your medications?"
"Yes."
"Samuel Winchester!" Missouri chided. "I heard that," she quipped. "And, I thought only your brother would give me that kind of attitude. Shame on you." Sam looked at her wide-eyed realizing that she had read his thoughts as he had grumbled about being asked about his meds.
"Sss…sorry," Sam dropped his eyes submissively. Missouri looked at Sam for a long moment and couldn't fault the boy for his frustration. She had felt his inner struggle since she first saw him in the ICU. Dean had filled her in on what had happened with the Demon over a year ago, and the car wreck. She had a bone to pick with John Winchester when he was up to a tongue lashing for leaving his children like he had. She was still upset over John's appearance in Lawrence when Dean and Sam had needed him, but he had never gone to his children to talk to them. Instead, he had been cryptic and had simply given his final answer as not until I know the truth. She knew that John had his suspicions about Sam's hidden abilities otherwise she would have never made the comment to him that fateful day when she had mentioned that Sam had powerful abilities. She felt slightly underhanded in her dealings with Sam. He had been so scared and vulnerable when he had asked what's happening to me. And, she had simply answered, I know I should have all the answers, but … I don't know. She had lied in order to protect him a while longer, but unfortunately after speaking with Dean and picking through their thoughts she knew Sam was well aware of his gift of premonitions and visions. And, he had had a brief episode of telekinesis. She feared for him even more now than back in Lawrence. His head injury and physical and speech deficits made his life even more difficult and precarious.
"Oh, Sam," her voice softened. "It's okay honey. I know how frustrated you are about, well… just about everything." She knew Sam was having trouble with the order of home rest, but the doctor had also told him no work at the library or rehab for at least a week. He was feeling like a failure to his family, but especially his big brother. "I wish I had the perfect words Sam, I do, but I don't think there is any magic fixer for this dark time, but it like all things will pass." She tried to offer some comfort.
"I ddd…don't think I'm going ttt…to get much bbb…better," Sam offered honestly and Missouri looked at him with expectant and pained eyes. "I think Dean and dad knn…know it too, bbb…but won't say it. I ddd…don't want ttt…to be a bur…den."
"Sam," Missouri's voice was soft, and held a slight tone of admonishment. She didn't want to hear Sam give up on himself.
"It's bbb…been a year, and I stt…still ttt…talk like this," Sam's voice was blunt. "And, thh…things I used to knn…know and under…stand ddd…don't always make sense to me and I get sss…so pissed," a small tentative smile crossed his face, "sss…sorry for saying pissed." Missouri laughed.
"Child, please! You should hear some of the colorful remarks I can weave with words. You're just speakin' your mind and there isn't a damn thing wrong with that when you have thoughts to unload."
CICU, John's Room
Dr. Jay had allowed Dean to stay as long as he wanted today since they expected John to be waking at some point. Dean had agreed to stay out of the way and leave if asked to. Dean glanced at the clock and hoped that Missouri had reminded Sam to take his meds. He was tempted to call, but decided to trust that she had listened to him when he told her Sam's med schedule. He had all ready spoken with the library for Sam, and had been surprised that Sam's social worker from the rehab center had all ready spoken to the library branch manager telling her of Sam's condition and had informed her that a family crisis had happened. Dean had confirmed the news and Mrs. Kellerman, the branch manager had understood and said to just call her when Sam was able and willing to return. He had called Larry at home telling him of him of John's heart attack and luckily Larry had volunteered to call his brother Dan to tell him about John and that he'd be off work for a while. Dean was lost in his own head when a flicker of movement caught his eye. John's fingers moved slightly, but he didn't wake.
Dean reached over and slid a hand under his father's own and then covered it with his other free hand. He watched with excitement as his father's fingers tightened their grip. "Dad?" Dean watched with expectant eyes. His father was still on the ventilator and he knew he wouldn't be able to speak until the tube was out. He watched as his father's eyes began to flutter, and his heart monitor's pace quickened slightly indicating he was surfacing toward consciousness. "Dad? It's Dean." John's opened his eyes at the sound of his oldest child's voice. Things were fuzzy and his mind felt foggy. He heard beeping, and a whooshing and clicking sound. His eyes opened fully and met his son's expectant and concerned hazel ones. Suddenly, he was all too aware of a chocking intrusion in his throat and he began to buck against it, and started to grab the tube. "No! Dad," Dean stopped his father's hand. "Dad, it's okay. It's a breathing tube. You're okay. Leave it alone." The heart monitor beeped out a staccato rhythm on the screen. "Dad, you have to calm down," Dean commanded. He held the sides of his father's face. "Just calm down. It's okay. Relax." Dean saw his father relax under his touch, and then noticed John's lips begin to move slightly. "No, Dad, you can't speak with the tube in," Dean replied. Connie came into the room quickly.
"Mr. Winchester, you have to relax sir. You're in the hospital. You need to calm down." She cast a glance at Dean indicating without words that it wasn't good for John's heart to be racing.
"Dad, listen to her, okay? Please, just relax." John's heart rate slowed down and he visibly relaxed against his bed. "Good Dad," Dean encouraged. Connie nodded and left the room after adjusting an IV drip rate. John's eyes wandered around his room, and at all of the equipment that surrounded him. "Do you remember what happened Dad?"
John studied his son's face and lifted a hand extending to fingers indicating 'a little' with his index finger and thumb. "A little?" Dean hedged. John gave a slight nod. "You had a heart attack Dad, and you're in the CICU. Today makes day four." Dean saw the look of alarm on John's face. "No, no dad, it's all right. You've been sedated up until late last night. You're going to be fine." Dean squeezed his dad's forearm gently. John reached a shaky hand across his chest and placed it on top of Dean's hand. Dean felt the warmth in his father's hand, and felt comforted by the heat where it had been cold the last four days. John picked his hand up and pointed to Dean and then made the 'OK' symbol with his hand, and Dean laughed.
"I'm fine Dad. I'm not the one that almost cashed in his chips with a heart attack." John reached down and patted Dean's arm. John's eyes moved around the room again and settled back on Dean's face with intensity. "Sammy's at home dad. He's fine." John's eyes widened. "No, dad … he's not alone. I … ugh, called Missouri. She's in town and has been for about three days. She's with Sammy." Dean could see the look of surprise on John's face. "I needed the help dad," Dean replied. "Look, I wanted to hold off on telling you, but you're gonna notice when Sam isn't coming to visit for a day or two. Um, he had a vision a couple days ago, and it triggered a grand mal seizure." Dean's words cut off abruptly as John's face took on a panicked look and his heart monitor began to beep wildly. "Dad, please… if you get Connie in here she is going to bust my ass for telling you. They'll throw me out. You gotta calm down. Look, if Sam were in bad shape would I be here?" Dean questioned. John settled and shook his head slightly. "Good," Dean replied. "Look Dad, it was just bad timing he started having a vision the same time he was having a small seizure and then it just all went to hell."
John gripped his son's arm and offered a comforting squeeze. Dean could see the questions in his father's eyes. "The vision was about you dad. He saved your life. You were headed for a second heart attack, but they caught it in time. Dr. Myers wants him to rest for a couple days. No visiting, no library and no rehab this week." Dean's voice drifted off as his mind recalled the images of Sam's seizure in the waiting room. John saw the haunted look that came over his son's eyes and it concerned him. He got Dean's attention by patting his arms and indicating he wanted something to write on. "Okay, Dad… let me see if Connie can give me something. One minute."
Dean returned with a piece of scrap paper and a pen. "Here dad and Connie said you need to rest after this." John just motioned for the pen and paper. Dean looked at what his father scribbled: How bad was it with Sammy? I want the truth.
"Dad… he's okay." John was frustrated and tapped at the paper with authority. And, even a silent John Winchester could manage to speak an unspoken direct order. Dean sighed. "Fine," he grumbled and took the paper and pen away from his father. "But, you have to stay relaxed okay?" John nodded.
Dean recounted the entire seizure event to his father and John's eyes were filled with a mixture of anxiety and concern for his baby son. It scared him to hear that Sam had stopped breathing because the seizure was so violent and long. He was thankful though that Sam apparently rebounded quickly from it despite its severity. Dean looked at the clock. "Hey, Dad why don't you get some rest." John motioned for the paper again. Dean shook his head. "No Dad," he admonished. "You need to rest." John leveled a hard gaze on his first born and Dean complied. "Fine, but make it short dad, otherwise, my ass is gonna be in a sling with your doctor and Connie. Jesus," he hissed. "You just woke up after having a heart attack … take it easy!" John wrote on the paper for a long moment and then finally handed it to Dean: I'll rest. I promise. I'm not going anywhere. I want you to go home and get some sleep. You look tired and I don't want you running yourself into the ground.
"Dad, I'm fine." John shook his head. "Okay, fine," Dean complained. "How about I go home for an hour or two? I'll check in with Sammy and Missouri. I'll tell Sam you woke up. He'll be excited. But, I'll be back tonight for a while, and then I promise I'll sleep at home. Deal?" John nodded. "Good, now close your eyes and get some sleep dad." John felt like a worn photograph … rough around the edges, but the essence of the person still remained inside. He was going to survive this and get back to his sons. He closed his eyes despite his efforts to remain awake and sleep came quickly. Dean sat with him for a short while, and then kept his promise to go home for a while. He knew that Connie had his contact numbers should he be needed. Dean cast one more glance at his father. He was comforted by the fact some of his father's coloring was returning and replacing that pale gray color he'd had since his attack.
The Winchester House
Dean walked into the kitchen from the garage and was met by Missouri cooking. Her face looked mildly frustrated. "What's wrong?" Dean asked quickly.
"Child, how do you men survive? You have two skillets and a pasta cooking pot … how in creation do you cook?" Dean laughed lightly.
"We make do," he replied candidly. He looked around the corner and saw the TV was off in the family room and it was quiet. "Where's Sammy?"
"Sleeping," Missouri answered.
"It's two in the afternoon. Is he okay? He's not sick is he?" Dean started to leave the kitchen to check on Sam, but Missouri placed a hand on his arm.
"He's fine Dean," she comforted. "It's that new medication that he's taking. Don't you remember his doctor said it may make him tired until his body adjusts? Plus, I think the last few days were catching up with him. I've never known anyone that left a hospital feeling rested."
"Yeah," Dean answered absently as his eyes still ventured toward the family room. "How long has he been out?"
"Almost two hours." She looked at Dean and smiled. "Go," she encouraged. "I know you're biting at the bit to go check on him. He's in his room." Dean smiled.
"Hey, not fair. No reading me," he chided with no anger.
"Well, I can't help it. You Winchester men are so tight lipped I don't know how you manage to communicate. And, I'm glad your daddy woke up. See I told you he would be okay."
"Out of my head woman!" Dean's voice was amused. "Geez, let a guy get a chance to tell the news before you go leafing through my head like some magazine in the check-out lane." Missouri laughed.
"Sorry," she offered lightly. "Go see your brother. I'll have lunch ready in an hour."
"Thanks for everything Missouri," Dean began. "I know you've got your own life and all. And, you're here helping us out."
"It's my pleasure. And, I didn't have any pressing engagements back in Lawrence anyway. That's the plus side of being your own boss. I can take vacations whenever I damn well want."
"What? The psychic business slow these days?"
"No, I doubt it ever will be… there's always people wantin' answers about something." Dean nodded. He excused himself and went quietly down the hall to Sam's slightly open bedroom door. Dean peeked inside Sam's room and saw his little brother curled on his side sleeping. He walked in quietly using his hunter's skills of stealth to not wake Sam. He stood over his brother for a short while and assured himself there were no tremors or twitches, and he was breathing evenly. His mind flashed for a moment to Sam seizing on the floor in the waiting room turning blue around his lips. He shook his head trying to rid his mind of a memory he knew would always haunt him. Sam stirred.
"Dean?" His voice sleepy as he opened his eyes slowly.
"Sorry, Sammy," Dean whispered. "I didn't mean to wake you up. Go back to sleep kiddo."
"No, I'm okay. Hhh…how is dad?"
"He woke up Sammy. He asked about you and I told him you had to rest for a couple days."
"Why? Nnn…now he'll worry." Sam complained.
"Look, Sammy I wouldn't have been able to hold him off for long … it's dad we're talking about. He was concerned, but I told him you're okay. Now, Missouri is making lunch and I'm going to eat here and go back to see dad. I'm sleeping here tonight."
"Good."
"So, the new meds are making you tired, huh?"
"Yeah, bbb…but Dr. Myers said it'll ppp…pass. I hate ttt…taking it ttt…twice a day though."
"I know Sammy, but you have to okay?" Sam nodded begrudgingly.
CICU, John's Room
Dean walked into CICU and was surprised to see his father sitting up in bed awake, and off the ventilator. "Dad?" Dean couldn't hold back the sound of astonishment. John smiled warmly at his son. Connie was in the room as well and adjusting IV drip rates and doing charting.
"Yes, your father wanted the tube removed and Dr. Jay deemed him ready. Your father can very hard headed." Dean snorted.
"Hey," John chided softly from his bed. Dean noticed the thin oxygen tubing running under his father's nose.
"She's right dad," Dean mused. "So, when can he get transferred to the CCU side of the unit?"
"Dr. Jay is pleased with his progress and the latest test result, so I bet he'll be transferred in a couple days."
"Good." Connie smiled and excused herself as she finished up charting.
"Did you eat and get some sleep?" John asked as he studied his oldest child's tired features.
"I ate, but I'll sleep tonight. Don't worry dad."
"It's my job to worry," John offered. "I'm sorry for all of this son." Dean looked at his father dumbfounded.
"Dad, it's not you had a heart attack on purpose. There isn't anything to apologize for," Dean paused. "I was thinking earlier today and…" After a long pause John prompted him to continue.
"And, what?"
"Nothin' dad."
"Dean," his father's tone brooked no argument.
"It's just that … I don't know if you hadn't made it that night in the ER Sammy and me would probably be burying you right around now. It's just …" Dean looked everywhere but at his father. "It's just … I'm glad you're still around," his voice drifted off to a whisper. John smiled and reached out a hand and comfortingly squeezed Dean's elbow.
"I'm sorry I scared you boys," John replied. "I'm gonna be okay Dean."
"Yeah, well no more burgers and crap for you old man," Dean teased.
"Hey, who you callin' old?" John countered with a warm smile. "How are Missouri and Sammy doing?"
"Good. I think our lack of cooking equipment is driving her nuts, but she's been great. And, Sammy is okay."
"Okay? Is there something wrong? He didn't have another seizure did he?"
"Dad will you just chill, please!" Dean chided. "He's fine. I know he wants to see you, but like I said he's stuck at home for at least a couple days."
Later that Evening, the Winchester House
It was after 10:00 and the house was pretty quiet. Dean finished up filling out some checks to pay some bills. Missouri had been using John's bedroom since her arrival and she had all ready excused herself to bed. Dean was headed down the hallway when he noticed Sam's door was open and the hallway was illuminated by the bathroom light shining from under the closed door. Dean would have gone on to his bedroom, but the sound of quiet retching propelled him toward the bathroom. "Hey Sammy?" Dean asked quietly. "You okay?"
"Dean," was the only quiet response that came before the sounds of more retching. Dean put his hand on the doorknob and was relieved that his little brother hadn't locked it. He pushed the door open and saw Sam sitting on the floor in his sweat pants and white t-shirt and barefoot. He looked pale and sweaty.
"Jesus Sammy," Dean knelt down. Sam only offered a small smile before he turned his head back toward the toilet and threw up again. Dean rubbed circles on his back. He stood up to get a cool cloth and proceeded to wipe Sam's face with it. "It doesn't feel like you have a fever," Dean suggested as he placed the back of his hand on his brother's forehead. "Sam what's wrong?"
"I ddd…don't know," Sam complained. "I fff…felt a little sss…sick all day."
"All day? Why didn't you say something. Dammit Sammy!"
"Sss…sorry," Sam managed just before his head was back in the toilet. Then something clicked with Dean.
"Sam where's all those damn prescription medication sheets the pharmacist gave us with your new medication?" Dean had always been very vigilant about reading his brother's medication pamphlets, but since his father's heart attack he hadn't had the time to read over the new med papers. "Sam? Where?" His brother pulled back from the toilet and pointed to a drawer in the vanity. Dean opened it and pulled out the papers.
Sam leaned back away from the toilet and propped himself against the tub. Dean handed him another cool rag for his face as he leafed through the papers. He skimmed as his eyes searched for the headings side effects and adverse reactions. He read the notices:
SIDE EFFECTS: most common complaint; sedative reaction and lethargy until therapeutic blood levels are reached and maintained. Less common: headache, light sensitivity, and tinnitus.
ADVERSE REACTIONS: This drug in some individuals may cause labored breathing, cardiac palpitations, extreme nausea and vomiting, hives, and possible anaphylactic shock could result. If any of these symptoms are encountered you should seek medical assistance and notify pharmacist of the allergy.
"Sonofabitch!" Dean hissed. Sam was leaning forward once again to get sick. "Okay, Sammy … I'm taking you to the ER kiddo. I think you're having an allergic reaction. Um, let me go get your socks and gym shoes. Just stay put… here," Dean filled a Dixie cup with cool water. "Rinse." Sam complied.
"Thirsty," Sam replied.
"Sorry, Sammy," Dean offered. "I think you better wait. I don't know if I should give you anything to drink. Look, just sit here and I'll be right back." Dean folded the papers and grabbed the medication bottle to make sure he took it with them. He hurried down the hall cursing himself the entire way. He heard the door open to his father's room.
"Dean?" Missouri's voice sounded worried from the doorway. "Is Sam okay?"
"No," Dean said as he came back up the hallway with his brother's socks and shoes accompanied with a zip-up hoodie. "I'm pretty sure he's having an allergic reaction to his new medication. I gotta take him to the ER."
"I'll come with you," she responded quickly. "I knew that boy wasn't feeling well, but he kept saying he was fine even though I knew he was lying."
"Missouri it's not your fault okay. Sammy's a big boy."
Two Hours Later: The Emergency Room
"He's going to be fine, Mr. Winchester. We gave your brother an injection of Zofran to help with the nausea, and once he's finished his bag of fluids to get him re-hydrated I'll give him his walking papers. I spoke with his neurologist on the phone and she gave me a verbal order to change his medication due to the allergy. He should start this new medication tomorrow. It's best if taken in the mornings, and he can take it with his Dilantin."
"Thanks doc. So, once his fluids finish out I can take him home?"
"Yep, I'll get his discharge papers ready. It'll probably be another forty minutes for that bag to finish up."
"Okay, thanks."
Dean walked back into the curtained ER cubicle where his brother was located. Missouri sat reading a discarded magazine, and Sam had dozed off. "How's he doin'?" Dean whispered.
"Sleeping like a baby. Poor child is completely exhausted."
"Missouri, I was thinking…" she smiled. "What?"
"Go up and check on your daddy. We'll be fine here. I'll stay with Sam."
"Thanks."
CICU, John's Room
Dean walked quietly inside. The lights were dimmed and he could see his father's eyes were closed. But, this was John Winchester and he recognized the soft steps of his own child. He opened his eyes. "Dean?"
"Go back to sleep Dad."
"What's wrong? I thought we agreed you get some sleep at home. It's after midnight Dean."
"I was in the area and couldn't leave without stopping in, okay?"
"What do you mean in the area?" John studied Dean intently. "It's Sammy, isn't it?" His heart monitor began beeping wildly.
"Calm down dad," Dean commanded. "Sam's fine now. He had an allergic reaction to his new medication. I had to bring him into the ER. He's getting discharged in a little bit. Missouri is sitting with him."
"But, he's okay?" John's eyes were intense as they watched Dean's face looking for the slightest bit of deception.
"He's fine dad. He was out like a light when I came up here. They gave him some stuff for the nausea and vomiting and we'll be out of here soon. I just wanted to stop by."
"Dean," John began. "What you've been doing for your brother and everything you had to endure over this past year … I couldn't be more proud of you and what you've taken on without question. When I think about how I left…"
"Don't dad," Dean replied. "We're getting past that," Dean commented. "You've stuck around and kept your word. Look … you're in no condition to start up this conversation. Let's just let sleeping dogs lie for now, okay?"
"Sure son," John responded. Dean looked at the clock and couldn't believe that thirty minutes had passed all ready.
"I better let you get back to sleep and Sammy should be ready to go."
The Emergency Room
Dean made his way back t the curtained cubicle and was surprised to only be met by Missouri and Sam wasn't there. "What happened?" Dean barked nearing panic.
"Calm yourself child," she instructed. "Your brother is fine. The IV finished and the doctor discharged him. He wouldn't take no for an answer," she began. "You probably just missed each other. He took an elevator up to see your father.
"He should be in a car and headed home," Dean complained, but he understood that Sam needed to see their father. "Let's go get him."
CICU, John's Room
John hadn't gone back to sleep yet and saw a shadow step into his doorway. He recognized the tall lanky figure right away, "Sammy?" His voice was soft.
"Ddd…dad," Sam spoke in a lower tone realizing the hour.
"Hey, kiddo … come here and let me look at you." John looked at his baby son and could see the dark circles under his eyes. "You need to get some sleep Sammy. Your brother told me about what happened with the seizure and tonight with the allergic reaction. You sure you're okay?"
"I'm good." Sam was happy to see his father off the ventilator. "Hhh…how are you?"
"I'm going to be fine Sammy. It'll take more than a little heart attack to take out your dad." Sam smiled.
"I was sss…scared you we're going ttt…to die."
"I know son. But, I'm going to be okay." Sam sat down on his father's bed and John pulled him into a hug and Sam let himself relax into his father's grasp. A sound in the doorway alerted them to a presence.
"Pulling an AWOL from the ER Sammy," Dean chided quietly. "Not cool little brother."
"Sss…sorry, but hhh…had to." Dean smiled despite himself and nodded.
"Come on Dad needs to sleep and you do too."
Later that Night, the Winchester House
Dean rolled over in his bed and listened to the sounds of the quiet house. Missouri had gone back to bed, and Sam was sound asleep. They had stopped off at a twenty-four hour pharmacy to get Sam's new prescription filled before going home, and now Dean found himself looking at the red numbers of his clock: 2:00 AM shown like a beacon in the dark. He felt sleep pulling at him and drawing him into its warm embrace. His father was alive and expected to recover, and Sammy was safe and sleeping just down the hall, maybe he could let his body relax for a little bit. Dean closed his eyes as he sighed quietly into the dark, and slumber came swiftly to his tired mind.
To Be Continued
Long chapter, I know. Let me know what you're thinking. All of the reviews you take the time to leave for this story are appreciated and each one is motivation for another chapter. So, are you still enjoying the story? Bored? Let me hear from you.
Read and Review!