Gabriel shorts

Back from Battle

Eyes shut tightly as you white knuckled it through the bumps. Biting the inside of your lip as you hold it together the best you can. For it wasn’t the turbulence that was the real problem, it was being in another plane. Only this time the plane was your salvation, it was taking you away. Away from the loudness, the uneasiness, the smell, the fear, and the nightmare.

One last jolt and your eyes spring open. Your hand goes to your side then you realize where you were and most importantly where you weren’t. After the landing and the scramble to get your things and could nearly kiss the ground when you were off. Chewing more vigorously on the piece of gum in your mouth you exited the tunnel and looked for the exit. Seeing it you breeze past the other passengers and march straight out of the terminal. Breathing in fresh air once more you look up as it richens your lungs.

Nearly tearing up at the hundred of emotions you are feeling at this moment. You steady your breathing but just then you hear a horn blare. Adjusting your gaze you find the source of the noise and smile. Sauntering over to the curb you drop your bag and extend your arms.

“Been a while fellas,” Sam leans in first then you get Dean.

“To long,” Dean says with a pat on your shoulder.

That pat reminded you of Rollins. That was the last time he’d pat your shoulder as you both exited the Humvee. There was an ambush and he was taken down early. Knowing the risks are the easy part but seeing it… a whole new animal. Sam picked up your bag and put it in the back then turned his attention back to you. Still zoned out at this time but he broke it when he lightly spoke your name.

Everyone piled into the car and you took off. Looking out the window a part of you can’t believe you were back but the other was trapped. You wanted so much to be happy and sing along with the radio. You felt someone watching you and caught a side-glance of Dean in the rearview. He looked away quickly but you knew. Sam was catching a nap. You assumed they were in the middle of something and burning the midnight oil, as usual. You thought about them everyday while you were gone. Those hunters who helped you while those monsters made you an orphan. Having no other relatives Sam made sure you didn’t end up in the system or on the street. Dean was against it but you bonded over cars and music. Now like a little sister they saw you off to defend the country that they fought for. Now that you were back you wanted to rest but knew you had to help them.

Sam woke up when he pulled into the garage. You looked around and sighed because nothing had changed. Grabbing your bag Dean turns to you, “remember where your room is?”

You nodded, “Had dreams about that bed.”

“Alright, need anything let us know.” He disappeared behind the door and Sam following. You walked slower because you still weren’t entirely sure you were really there. Opening the door to your room you toss the bag at the foot of your bed. Seeing the outdated posters and things on your desk with a layer of dust. You’d be upset if they weren’t saving the world and all. Closing the door you walk over and fall into bed. The sheets welcome you and you close your eyes. Drifting into the darkness you are dreaming in no time.

Dreaming of being back in that hellhole. Gun raised and separated from your unit. Dodging through alleys and remembering your training you keep pushing forward. The heat beating down on you so you sought refuge in the shade. Your coms were shot so you were on your own. As you turned a corner you freeze because you are face to face with a pistol. Before you could say a word it fires and you fall to the ground. Bouncing off your mattress you hit the ground and wipe the sweat from your forehead.