Her Darling Sister

Caroline stirred awake as sunlight filtered through the thin lace curtains of the bedroom. She squinted, groaning softly as she felt the dull ache of a restless night settle in her body. Rolling over to the other side of the bed, she reached out, instinctively expecting to find Castiel lying next to her. Her hand met cold, empty white sheets instead.

Her eyes fluttered open fully, taking in the perfectly made bed on his side. For a moment, she stared at it, her mind groggy, until realization struck like a slap in the face—he was gone. Again. No note, no goodbye, just his usual disappearing act, off to whatever work now seemed to take precedence over their dwindling relationship.