Note: Audio clip above used for this scene...

Two months passed before Sam was able to cure Dean, the demonic energy in him completely disappearing. He was normal again, just my Dean. But...but it was too late. Much...too late.

My footsteps were loud in the Bunker but it didn't even register as I made my way down the familiar metal steps of the stairs that opened up into the main room. Maybe I should have known then. Maybe it wouldn't have hurt so bad...

With Sam following distantly behind me, I called out her name into the stillness, "Parker! Park, I'm-I'm back! Parker!"

Silence echoed back to me, almost making my ears ring. Where was she? Trudging into the library, my eyes scanned the rooms down the hall as I did. There was no baby toys, no sounds of children's laughter even. I noticed it then as I turned my head, my gaze instantly zeroing in on the slim, tan envelope lying on the table. It was propped against a bottle of my favorite whiskey, El Sol. I frowned, feeling my stomach drop. Snatching it up quickly, I could hear Sam making his way into the library behind me but all I could focus on was my name written in ink in a tiny flourish in the middle of the envelope - Parker's handwriting.

I swallowed down a thick lump that had formed in my throat as I sat down in one of the empty chairs. With shaking hands, I tore it open, the folded-up paper falling out in my hands. And slowly, I began to read the words written there...

I know you were expecting to see me once Sammy got you cured. Believe me, I wanted to be there - I did. But I just couldn't do that, D...

You know I love you. I feel I've loved you forever.

My hand ran over my mouth briefly as I read the words, trying to remember to breathe.

Lately...I haven't been feeling very well. Truth be told? I'm tired.

I frowned, soaking up the words on the page as I held it in my hands.

I realized something and...I haven't been able to shake it.

Running a hand through my short blond hair, I could feel the familiar prick of tears behind my green eyes but I kept reading.

I've spent almost my entire life with ghosts. We've been like close friends and it occurred to me that it was time for me to bury them... I can't do that here.

A sob welled up from my throat. No... no, please, no...

I'm so sorry... No matter how hard I try to fight it off, I'm left with the feeling that...I have to go.

"No," I whispered, shaking my head, hand pressed firmly to my mouth to keep the tears at bay.

I have no idea where I'm going but I know I have to do this. If I don't, I'm afraid I'll self-destruct and worse...you'll be there to see it happen.

Tears were blurring my vision then, dropping down onto the paper as I continued reading the words, hoping as if by some miracle that they would change.

Be safe. Know that I tried very hard to stay. Know that you were my one and only. I'll miss you with every beat of my heart. Our life together was the only home I've ever really had...I wouldn't trade it for anything.

My body heaved as the tears came out in violent sobs, my shoulders shaking as I finally let it all out. I knew Sam was watching me, a sad expression plastered to his face and tears in his own eyes but I couldn't see anything past my own pain in that moment. Parker was gone, the love of my life...the only woman who I'd ever fell completely and irrevocably in love with...was gone.

I love you,

I always will...