Thank you again to everyone who is reading and reviewing this story. After this chapter there is only one more to go

***

On Thursday, a week and three days after the horrific day in the woods, Sam found himself sitting up in his hospital bed in a hoodie and sweatpants while his dad signed his release papers. Dean was gathering all of Sam's stuff together; stuff being get well presents and cards from teachers, friends, and teammates.

"Geez Sam when did you get popular."

Sam just shook his head and smiled while he rested his head against the pillows on his bed. Minutes later John who was holding a pair of crutches, Caleb, and Dr. Drake returned to Sam's room. Sam opened his eyes and looked at the three men. His eyes said it all to John. Sam was ready to go home.

Dr. Drake approached Sam's bed. "Ok Sam. You have to be extremely careful with the stitches in your side until they dissolve. Then once they dissolve you have to still be extremely careful with your side. For the next week at least, I want you to rest 24/7. I'm sure I do not need to remind you that you have a long recovery to go, but the important thing is you will recover. Always use the crutches. No weight on that leg for at least six more weeks, and then we will get you in for physical therapy. I gave your dad your pain medication and you can continue taking that for the next week. Then I want you to switch to plain old ibuprofen."

"Dang doc, your taking the good stuff from me that soon," Sam said with a smirk.

Dr. Drake laughed. "Sorry Sam. Nevertheless, I want you to stay home from school for at least another week, and then whenever you are ready to return go for it. If the incision in your side starts to look strange, let your family know. Same with your head, if the pain becomes very severe again let someone know."

"Ok doctor Drake, I will."

"Alright Sam, then you are ready to go. I have to say I am going to miss you kid. I am going to miss all of you."

"Aw doc, you old softie," Dean said with a smirk, which caused all five men to laugh.

"Anyway I'm ignoring your smart ass brother. Sam be careful, although I'm going to miss you, I hope I do not see you again until you come back for physical therapy."

"I'll try my best to stay out of trouble."

"Are you kidding bubble boy. Dad and I are shoving you in a bubble until you graduate high school. Clearly you attract trouble." Dean was hit moments later with a pillow in the face. Dr. Drake gave Sam a high five.

Dr. Drake then shook John, Caleb, and Dean's hands before giving Sam a hug. Then with a final goodbye Dr. Drake left to go check on another patient. Two of Sam's nurses came by to say goodbye to the floppy haired puppy dog eyed boy that had brightened their day. The "hazel-eyed miracle" as the nurses had come to call him, was finally going home and everyone was sorry to see Sam and his family go. Everyone knew they were a special family. Finally, the orderly came with Sam's personal chariot, and he was wheeled to the waiting impala.

***

Five minutes into the drive back to the apartment, soft snores filled the interior of the impala. Dean turned around and saw Sam had fallen asleep.

"Sam's asleep," Dean announced to John.

John looked into the rear-view mirror. Sam looked so young sleeping in the back seat. The scene reminded John of dozens of car trips in which Sam would sleep the entire journey.

John still felt guilty every time he looked at Sam. The words he had said to Sam in a moment of anger could have been the last words he ever said to his baby boy. Although Sam had forgiven John, he could not help but be reminded of the fight almost two weeks ago. John was determined to make it up to Sam, while Sam recovered.

***

Dean looked out the window and thought about the last week and a half. He had almost lost his world mere days ago. However, Sam had pulled through and was on the mend. Everyone had noticed Sam begin to come out of his funk after Dean had talked to him. However, every time Anna and Jack would visit, Sam would become very quiet and moody when they left. Dean knew that no matter what anyone said, the fact that Sam would not be running in the race two days from now was really bothering Sam.

***

Once the Winchester family arrived at the apartment, John grabbed Sam's belongings and took them into the house. When John emerged from the house and made his way to the car again, he saw Dean attempting to wake up Sam.

"Jus' five more minutes De'…"

Dean snorted back a laugh. "Hey Sammy, wakie, wakie." Dean then nudged Sam's shoulder gently and eventually Sam woke up.

"Ah sleeping beauty you are awake."

Sam rubbed his eyes and then glared at Dean. "Shut up Dean."

"Oh aren't you a joy to be around right now."

"Jerk."

"Bitch."

John then poked his head in the back window. "Boys knock it off," he said with a smile. John then opened Sam's door and handed him his crutches.

"Do you need help Sammy?" John asked.

Dean helped Sam get out of the car and then helped him get his balance.

"No I got it from here guys."

Both John and Dean stood on either side of Sam ready to assist him if he needed it.

Eventually Sam made it into the apartment. John and Dean steered him to the couch and within minutes, Sam was once again asleep.

John and Dean walked into the kitchen to find Caleb making some sandwiches for lunch. The three men ate in silence, relieved that finally the youngest Winchester was home.

***

Later that afternoon Pete, Jack, and Anna stopped by to check up on Sam. John informed the three that Sam was still asleep, but invited them in to wait for him to wake up.

The three thanked John and then went into the kitchen to find Caleb and Dean playing cards at the table.

"Hey guys," Dean greeted the three.

The three returned the greeting and sat down. Pete then spoke up. "John I understand that Sam just got out of the hospital but I was wondering something."

"What?" asked John.

"Well you see, we would all love it if Sam could come to the race."

Dean became angry. "No way!"

Pete, Jack, and Anna were taken aback by Dean's outburst.

Caleb smacked Dean in the back of the head. "Manners kid."

Dean knew his outburst required an explanation after he caught the look his father threw in his direction.

He absent-mindedly rubbed the back of his head before apologizing to the three. "I'm sorry guys but you don't understand. Jack and Anna you remember how depressed Sam got after you guys saw him and mentioned the race."

Anna and Jack nodded.

"Well, as you all know Sam has definitely been healing physically and emotionally. However, every time you guys visit he becomes very quiet after you leave."

John then chimed in. "Look Sam is still very upset about the fact that he cannot race and right now we just…Sam can't…we don't want Sam becoming depressed again. We just want him to heal."

Anna then looked at Dean and John. "Mr. Winchester, Dean, Caleb; we all want Sam to heal too, but we really want Sam to be there. Sam is a hero, and we want to recognize him for what he did at the race."

The three men were shocked. Sam was going to be recognized. Dean and John exchanged a look before Dean spoke up. "Ok look, you guys ask Sam. If he is okay with it we will take him to the race."

Jack smiled. "Thanks. We really do need him there. He is the leader of the team and we cannot race without him."

Pete and Anna nodded in agreement.

***

Ten minutes later Sam woke from his slumber. Jack, Anna, and Pete then went in to talk to him.

"Hey man, how are you feeling?" Jack asked.

"Like shit, which is a huge improvement from how I felt a few days ago. You know like I had been hit by a truck, thrown in a washing machine, chewed by a dog, and then thrown off a cliff," Sam responded with a slight grin.

"Dude, if you felt that good last week, you should have told us. We would have told them to stop giving you the happy juice." Jack laughed.

"No that was the best part of the hospital," Sam said.

The four laughed.

"Seriously though Sam. How are you?" asked Pete.

"I am honestly feeling better everyday Coach."

"That's good Sam," responded Pete.

Anna then approached Sam. "Sam we have something we want to ask you?"

Sam noticed the serious look Anna had on her face and he immediately knew what she was going to ask. "Look guys, I don't know if I can go."

"Sam, you are the team leader. Even if you are not running we need you there." Anna felt horrible pulling the guilt card on Sam, but she knew it was the only way to get him to say yes.

Sam really did not want to go but he could not let his team down. "Fine, if my dad says ok."

"We already asked him Sam and he said yes," assured Pete.

***

Sam resumed his silent state after the three left. John knew he had to get through to Sam somehow.

So while Caleb and Dean went out to pick up pizza John went in to talk to Sam.

Sam was watching a movie on TV.

"Hey Sammy, you okay with pizza for dinner?"

Sam looked up at his dad. "Uh sure dad, I'm not really that hungry though."

"That's fine kiddo, but you know you need to eat to get better."

Sam rolled his eyes. Like he had not heard that before. "I know dad."

John then grabbed the remote for the television and muted the sound.

"Hey dad!" Sam exclaimed.

"Sammy I need to talk to you." Sam nodded his head and John sat down in the armchair next to the couch.

"Sam I know you are upset about the race."

"Dad look I really do not want to talk about it."

There was a moment of silence before John spoke again. "Sam you know the scar I have on the right side of my back."

Sam's was curious where his dad was going with this. "Yeah a poltergeist threw a knife at you."

John smiled. "Who told you that?"

"Dean."

"Ha of course. I forgot I told him that story." John then became silent again.

"Dad?"

John looked over at Sam. "Did I ever tell you that I played baseball in high school. I was the starting pitcher for my school's team."

Sam's curiosity peaked. "No you never told me that."

A smile crossed John's face. "Yep. I loved that sport. Well anyway, one night after a Friday night game, the whole team went out to eat at the local pizza place. Well it was getting late and only the seniors were left so we decided to head to my buddy Mike's house. My teammate James and I stayed behind to wait for the waitress to take the money while the other guys headed to Mike's."

John took a deep breath. "So once the meal was paid for, James and I were heading out to our car when this guy came up behind James. He was holding a knife to his neck yelling at me to give him both of our wallets."

Sam was shocked. "I began taunting the guy saying two against one are you stupid. Then another guy came out of the shadows joining the first. I instantly became terrified, but I was not going to let anything happen to James. So I charged the guy with the knife, out of surprise, he let James go, and he went down. James and I both thought he was out so we both went after the other guy and eventually knocked him out. Then next thing I know is the first guy is lunging at James and I did the only thing I could think of. I shoved James out of the way and moments later felt pain spread through my shoulder, neck, back, and arm."

"What Dad?" Sam was shocked.

"Before the guy could do anything else cops came. The owner of the restaurant had seen the altercation in the parking lot and called the police. I do not remember much at this point. I just remember laying on the ground while the paramedics swarmed me and James stayed by my side."

"I woke up the next day with my arm in a sling that prevented all movement of my right arm. I was informed that the knife had severed some nerves in my shoulder and that they did not know if I would ever regain movement in my right arm."

John felt tears come to his eyes as he remembered how scared he had been that day. John then felt something touch his hand. He looked down and saw that Sam was looking at his father and had placed his hand on top of John's. John looked at Sam.

"Sammy, I ended up needed two surgery's beside the original one the night of the incident to try to repair the damage to my arm. My team had been gearing up for the championship game and I became depressed. I was not going to get the opportunity to play and I had worked so hard. When I got out of the hospital though, some of my teammates had come and convinced me to come to the game. I did not want to, but my dad made me. Sammy, I was so glad I went to the game. I realized then that I was part of a team. Just because I could not participate did not mean my team could not either. I went to that game and I cheered as loud as I could. We won the game and the team gave me the trophy for being a hero that night."

John got up and sat on the couch next to Sam. "Sammy I know you are upset. You worked you're butt off, but kid you do not want to miss this race. You go and you cheer. You are a leader on your team and that does not end Sam. Your team wants you there. You are their hero Sam."

Sam could not help the tear that rolled down his cheek. "Thanks dad."

John ruffled Sam's hair before unmuting the television. He then sat down on the couch next to Sam to watch the movie Rudy.

"I love you Sammy."

"I love you too Dad."

***

One more chapter to go. Please review:)