Altered

Hope is a waking dream.' I let the words echo in my head. The quote reminded me of that feeling you get when you start to wake from a dream you don't want to leave. That crushing sensation in the center of your chest, like you are losing an important piece of yourself you won't ever get back.

You're the only person I trust. That's not something to waste.

I smiled. “You trust me more than Cas?” “Cas would choose a case of beer over me.” My laughter echoed through the cemetery. “That’s not true!” I brushed the hair from my face. “The others have your back.” “Yet you were the one who saved my life.

Pumpkin?” He nodded at the cookies. “Of course.” “Anna Banana, I love you.

You lost your shirt, Sam?” “Anna was looking over the tattoo.” “Yeah.” Nick grunted. “It looked like it.

I pulled away. He stopped me with a hand on my wrist. “Wait,” he said. “I know what you’re thinking.” “What?” “It’s written all over your face.” He pushed a lock of hair out of my eyes. “I’m not going anywhere.

You and I are the sum of a void left by the absence of someone we love.

I think he’s delirious,” Cas said. “Don’t die on me,” I ordered. “I wouldn’t dream of it,” he said right before he passed out.

That's what hope was. Clinging to something you weren't sure would ever be yours. But you had to hold on anyway, because without it, what was the point?

I closed my eyes. His fingers found mine. I buried my face on his chest, my vision hazy. "I won't remember you." "You will," he whispered into my hair. "Someday. I'll find you.

You seem like a strong-minded young woman. You’re very beautiful, too. I would have been proud to call you my daughter.

Cas whistled. “You are a sight for sore eyes, Anna Banana.

You found anything?" Nick said. "I found a twig.

We’re here to see Connor,” Dad said. The woman nodded and hit a button on the control panel. “You’re set to go down.” “Thank you, Marshie,” Dad said. He motioned us over to a door beneath the staircase. Nick leaned in. “ ‘You’re set to go down’?” he echoed. “That’s comforting.

I'd stand on the street corner and score a steak," Cas said. I couldn't help laughing. "You know, you might be flooded with business." His mouth stretched into a lecherous grin. "If you come with me we could be rich by morning." "Very funny.

That’s what hope was. Clinging to something you weren’t sure would ever be yours. But you had to hold on anyway, because without it, what was the point?