We’re living in sorrow, we’re living the best
And look to the future, cause life goes together now
We’re living in sorrow, we’re living the best
And look to the future, cause life goes together now
We’re living in sorrow, we’re living the best
And look to the future, cause life goes together now...

~Hard Road by Black Sabbath

The whole town was up early the next morning. The elderly church receptionist had gone to the rectory, to find Pastor Dan had killed himself on the altar.

He had left a note, explaining he had killed Michael Lindstrom, and could offer no explanation on the motive. Two Bible verses were carefully printed in the letter:

"And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:

Then there were specific instructions that his body was to be cremated, placed in the intricate box and sent to the Huaorani of Ecuador.

Dean and Sam spent the day at the garage, with Dean helping Tom. They ate lunch at the diner where the main topic of conversation was about the Pastor. Most comments were along the line of people thinking he was strange, and that they knew all along he had something to do with Michael’s death.

The next day, Sam and Dean decided to leave just in case there was an investigation. “We’re sorry about Pastor Dan.” Sam said to Tom.

He felt like he needed to apologize, yet again, for the loss of a so-called pillar of the community, since they spurred his early death. Sam had wanted to say that the man had sacrificed himself, but instead had to remain quiet and the Reverend’s reputation would always be tarnished.

Tom wasn’t a very spiritual man, and shrugged his shoulders. “Just never thought. . .Guess you really don’t know anyone. . .” Tom placed a hand on Dean’s shoulder as Dean leaned against the front of the car. “Don’t be a stranger-you have a place here.”

Dean had woken up early that morning and gazed out at the town. It would be years before he could come back, if ever, this town was touched by the hunt and would no longer be special. The older Winchester brother placed his hand on top of Tom’s and patted it. “Thanks, Tom.”

Sam waved to the mechanic and got in the Impala, as Dean did the same. “So have you given any more thought about your life after we find the demon?”

"Go to Disneyland." Dean gave the flippant answer and tried not to think of the day Sam would leave him to return to school.

"Seriously.”

"Be a NASCAR driver." He replied as he revved up the engine of the Impala.

"Dean, you could come back here. You could have a place- a job- a home." Sam sounded so desperate to have his brother agree.

“Sammy, I got my plans-you finish law school, become a hot shot attorney, buy one of those glass houses in Malibu. . ." And Dean went on and on about his wishes for Sam. His brother didn’t notice that Dean didn’t include his own plans. Dean knew that when the ultimate battle was at hand, it would be the end for him. The blaze of glory. He had left his dreams long ago in Liston, Wyoming.

The End