A/N: Hey my little angels. I truly want to thank you all for the support you've given me. It's really overwhelming and it means a whole lot to me. This was a challenge posed by the wonderful Chick Feed. She asked for a story around the theme of 'Not letting go.' and this was what I came up with. I worked quite a bit on this as I wanted it to be as great as I could make it.

I always picture John as a caring father. Sure, he's made his fair share of mistakes but he would never put his sons intentionally in danger or anything like that. He truly did care for his family in my opinion. He just didn't know how to express it...like all the Winchesters :P

Anyway, hope you all like it :)

It had been a month since Sam's departure for Stanford. Sam was happy even though he sorely missed his brother and father. He even had a girlfriend who seemed to like him for him and it meant a lot. But there were things that Sam Winchester was not aware of.

He was not aware of the fact that he was being watched.

John Winchester had parked his car in such a way that he could see everything yet no one could see him and his jeep. He watched intently as Sam walked hand in hand with a blonde girl as they headed to their room. John's heart ached for his son. He'd sworn to himself that no matter what, he was going to keep Sam safe.

John hadn't meant to get angry with his youngest. The situation had been such that he couldn't keep a cool head. He'd been mighty proud of his youngest. Stanford on a full scholarship and he didn't even congratulate the kid. The only thing he'd given was an ultimatum and it seemed that Sam had taken the 'once you leave don't bother coming back' too seriously.

There's a quote.

It is really painful to let go of someone you don't want to let go of...

But it is more painful to ask him to stay when you know that he really wants is to walk away...

John ran a hand over his tired face and was surprised to feel tears stinging his eyes. He'd do anything to get in his son's good books again, but maybe now wasn't the best time. Even Dean didn't know that his father came every week to just see Sam's happy and carefree face.

"Stay safe son," John muttered to the heavens hoping that somehow the message would reach Sam. He took a deep calming breath and turned the car around heading for his next case.

No matter how much he could try to stay away, Sam was still his son and he was still his father. John cared immensely for his boys so it was torture each time to drive away. It was like a knife piercing his heart as he tried to let go each time. It's definitely not easy to let go of your family, especially when you need them the most.

END