I could see Dean grieving, not just because he lost Sam, but also for the fact that only a very small handful of people would ever know that Sam had saved the world. It would seem to the only surviving Winchester that his brother's very existence was wiped off the face of the earth - only a pitiful duffle bag of possessions and a couple of photographs to mark his passing. And also how difficult it would be for Dean to fit into that normal life that Sam made him promise to have.

It must have been fate that had Sam "butt-dialling" Dean and for Dean to hear his brother's conversation with Bobby, letting him know that Sam had been returned, and the reason he hadn't as yet let Dean know. I'm thinking that in the show, Sam's reasons are going to be very similar. That year is going to be hard to swallow, though.....

But I'm intrigued by that bright flash of light at the very end. What just happened there? The switch thrown on his new life, perhaps? Something sinister?

Thanks so much for sharing, Shannon.

Jules

Author's Response:

Hey Jules,

You picked up on my reasons for wanting to write this piece.  Dean grieving while the rest of the world is oblivious and trying to fit his square-peg personality into a round-hole lifestyle.

The flash at the end *shrug* I don't know what happened.  I was curious to know how Dean viewing Zachariah's exploding grace would affect him so I threw it in and decided to let the readers interpret it.

Thanks for reading and taking the time to review!  I was delighted by your insightful comments.