Shadows of Destiny / Sam Winchester

6.

Raya lay in bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, the screams echoing in the back of her mind. She couldn't sleep; she was afraid she would witness someone's death if she did. So, as she had done for the past few weeks, she threw off the blanket and made her way to the kitchen. She tried to shake off the uneasy feeling as she moved around Bobby's kitchen, hoping he wouldn't be upset. Standing on her tiptoes, she reached for a mug and placed it on the counter, preparing herself a cup of coffee. Raya loved coffee; she appreciated how it kept sleep at bay, but she couldn't stand the taste of it. She took a sip from her mug, now filled with black coffee, and settled onto the sofa. She cursed herself slightly as she felt the chilly wind slide down her back, clutching the mug tightly to warm her hands. She should have grabbed a sweater. Ignoring the screams in her mind, she glanced over at Rumsfeld, who lay peacefully asleep, and tried to focus on the sound of his quiet snoring.

"Can't sleep?" She snapped her head from Rumsfeld to the familiar voice. Raya slightly nodded and Sam smiled sitting next to her on the sofa. Raya watched him curiously waiting for his next move.

"You, okay? It must have been hard for you?" Raya smiled softly.

"Well, I didn't see anyone die today sooo I'm fine," Sam squinted his eyes.

"Is that why you don't sleep?" Raya took a sip of her coffee, slightly nodding.

"Yeah," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's hard to sleep when you know what might be waiting for you on the other side." Sam nodded understandingly, his expression sympathetic.

As Raya sat on the sofa, sipping her coffee, she couldn't help but think about her father. However, Sam's presence brought a small glimmer of comfort, and as she looked over at him, she felt a sense of release from her father's memory.

"Do you think there is a way to stop it?" The question slipped out of her, surprising her.

Sam looked at her with a gentle smile. "I don't think that's possible, Raya," he answered. Raya felt a pang of disappointment, but Sam continued, "But you're stronger than you realize. You've been handling this with remarkable strength, and I believe you'll find a way to cope with it, to live with it."

Raya felt a surge of warmth at Sam's words. "Thank you, Sam," she said softly, a glimmer of hope rising within her.

"It's part of you, and I don't think you can stop it. I'm so sorry, Raya," Sam said, his tone sincere.

"Oh, no, don't be. It was stupid to think that I could stop it or whatever," Raya replied, feeling somewhat deflated under his comforting gaze.

"Raya," Sam began, wanting to say something more.

"Goodnight, Sam, and thank you," Raya interrupted, rushing back to her room, letting herself fall into the covers.

Sam watched her go, his expression filled with concern and a silent promise to be there for her, no matter what challenges she faced.