Epilogue
The day was beautiful. The cloudless sky. Just a bright sun, reflected in Baby. John loaded the suitcases into the trunk.
The entire team came to say goodbye to Dean. Caroll hugged him and expressed how happy she was to see him doing so well.
Sam holding Dean's hand. Just like they used to. Dean protecting Sam. Dean's other hand on the crutch, making sure he wouldn't fall. The steps were slow and unsteady. But no one seemed to mind.
John let Dean have his moment but stayed close. He still wobbled and tired easily.
Dean only had eyes for Baby. He got into the front seat. Closed his eyes. Took a deep breath. A huge smile on his lips.
John had planned to make a stop after 30 minutes. Even though it was a short trip, he didn't want to risk Dean having an accident, especially in front of Sam. That would crush his son's confidence. This planning was part of their new normal. Just like the fact that, this year, they would have a permanent residence. It wasn't exciting, but John was quite content with the hand fate dealt him.
ACDC starts to play. Dean assumes his cocky air he always had when he was in Baby.
— You were right, Sammy. I missed home. — Dean said, tapping the dashboard to emphasize his point.
Sam smiled. Everything was in place now. They had a different kind of normal. But he liked it. But, most importantly, he had his home back.
The end
Thank you very much to everyone who read and commented. I intend to do a part two to talk about the year at Bobby's house and Dean's recovery journey dealing with some of the sequelas that arose. I'll think more about it. Let me know if anyone's interested.