Fragments of Tomorrow (Supernatural Fanfiction Book 5)

Hidden Battles

Sam's Point of View

The war is over, but the scars remain. Dean's recovery has been marred by a visible regression. Despite the end of the battle, his mobility has worsened, and it's become increasingly difficult to ignore the changes in him. I can see it in his eyes, the way he forces a smile that doesn't quite reach them, and the way his laughter sounds hollow.

His weight loss is a growing concern. During meals, he piles his plate high, eating more than anyone else, but then he disappears afterward. No one knows where he goes, whether he's hiding in the house or wandering outside. It's become a routine that's difficult to ignore.

Dean and Birch have moved into a room together. It's a small solace to see Birch's unwavering support, but the visible change in Dean's demeanor is troubling. I'm rooming with Raven now, and while the new arrangement has its own set of adjustments, it's the well-being of my brother that keeps me awake at night.

Today, I noticed Dean's behavior again. After a meal, he made his usual quick exit, wheeling himself away from the dining area with a hasty goodbye. I tried to catch up with him, but he was already out of sight. Instead of following him, I decide to talk to Birch and Bobby.

They're in the living room, discussing the aftermath of the war and trying to piece together the next steps for all of us. I approach them with a heavy heart, feeling the weight of concern pressing down on me.

"Hey," I start, my voice steady but edged with worry. "Have either of you noticed that Dean's been disappearing after meals? He's losing weight, and I'm worried. Do you have any idea where he goes?"

Birch looks up, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. "I've noticed he's been off lately. I assumed it was just the stress of everything. I try to be there for him, but he's been keeping things to himself."

Bobby's face darkens. "I've seen it too. He puts away a lot of food and then vanishes. I thought maybe it was just stress from everything he's been through. But if you're worried, we all should be."

We all fall silent for a moment, the weight of the situation hanging in the air. I want to press further, but something holds me back. I decide to leave them to their thoughts and head back to find Dean, hoping that maybe he'll be willing to talk if I catch him before he leaves.

Dean's Point of View

After every meal, I wheel myself outside, away from prying eyes and judgment. Behind the shed, I find my sanctuary—my place to purge the remnants of my meals. The pain of eating too much is a different kind of release, a misguided form of control in a world that feels increasingly uncontrollable.

I try to hide my struggles, but Sam's probing questions are getting harder to dodge. Today, after I finished my plate, he approached me, concern etched across his face. I couldn't face him, couldn't handle the probing questions, so I made my escape, heading outside as usual.

I make my way out of the property, away from everyone, toward a waterfall a few towns over. It's a place I've kept to myself, a location where I can clear my mind and escape the scrutiny of those who care too much. The sound of the rushing water soothes me, though it's not enough to drown out the noise in my head.

I push myself harder, the wheels of my chair grinding against the gravel path as I make my way toward the secluded spot. The journey is a distraction, a way to focus my mind on something other than the gnawing emptiness that I've become all too familiar with.

Sam's Point of View

After talking to Birch and Bobby, I decided to follow up on my suspicion that Dean might be hiding something. I wanted to be sure he was safe, so I headed out of the house, hoping to find him before he disappeared again. But when I got outside, Dean was already gone.

I turn back toward the house and head inside, feeling a surge of frustration. I need to get to the bottom of this. I can't stand watching my brother suffer in silence. I approach Birch and Bobby again, this time more urgently.

"Dean's gone," I say, my voice tight with worry. "He's not in the usual places. We need to find him before something happens."

Birch and Bobby exchange concerned glances. "We'll help you search," Bobby says, his tone resolute. "Let's not waste any time."

The three of us gather our things and head out, the urgency in our steps matching the anxiety in our hearts. We need to find Dean and get him the help he needs before it's too late.

Dean's Point of View

I find myself at a different waterfall, one that's not my usual retreat. The soothing sound of the water is a temporary balm to my restless mind, but it doesn't completely drown out the chaos inside. I'm feeling slightly dizzy, likely from the lack of nourishment and the constant cycle of eating and purging. I wheel myself closer to the edge of the water, hoping the serene setting will bring some clarity.

I think about Mom and how her spirit once rescued me from a poltergeist. Her presence was a lifeline, a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. I wonder if she would be disappointed in me now, seeing how I've failed to keep myself together and how I've let my struggles drive me to the edge.

The words Sam said to me before the last war keep replaying in my mind. "Maybe if you were more concerned with your own damn issues you wouldn't be such a failure with everything else." They hurt more than I let on, and they've burrowed deep, festering with the guilt and self-doubt that have become my constant companions.

I also think about Birch. I love him deeply, and the fear of losing him is overwhelming. I keep worrying that one day, he'll wake up and decide he can't handle the weight of my struggles and walk out of my life, just like Dad did before I had Sam help me find him. The upcoming wedding is supposed to be a joyous occasion, but instead, it's become another source of anxiety and uncertainty. I'm unable to process my feelings, and it's affecting every aspect of my life.

Sam's Point of View

Bobby, Birch, and I have scoured every known hideout of Dean's, each search growing more frantic. The feeling of urgency is palpable as we race against time, hoping to find Dean before it's too late. My worry is a constant companion, and I can't shake the image of Dean suffering in silence.

Birch, ever the beacon of knowledge, finally speaks up. "Dean's favorite place is the waterfall, right? I think I know another one he might be at."

We rush to the secondary location Birch suggests, and the tension is unbearable. As we arrive, we see Dean's figure slumped over the edge of the waterfall. I can't help but feel a surge of relief and dread all at once as Birch lunges forward, catching Dean just before he collapses to the ground.

Birch's face is etched with concern as he tries to use his celestial powers to help Dean. But the effort seems to be in vain. "It's not working with this. He's too malnourished. He needs food in his system and to not throw it up afterwards," Birch says, frustration lacing his voice.

I'm stunned by his words. It hits me hard, the realization that Dean has been losing weight because he's been hiding and purging his food. My shock is evident, and Birch reads it clearly. "I can sense it. When I tried my powers, I could feel the lack of nourishment," Birch explains, his voice tinged with sadness.

The weight of the situation crashes down on me. I watch as Birch continues to try and help Dean, the celestial energy flowing around them both. It's a bittersweet sight—Birch's love and desperation to save Dean, and Dean's own struggle against his inner demons.