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Meltdowns like this are common for Balthazar
As Sam watched Balthazar meltdown, he knew that this wasn't the first time he had seen him behave like this. Meltdowns had become a common occurrence for Balthazar, especially when he was tired or feeling overwhelmed. Sam had learned to stay calm and patient, to give Balthazar the time and space he needed to calm down.
"Come on, Balthazar," Sam said gently, his voice soft and soothing. "Let's go to the shower. It'll be quick, and then you can go to bed."
But Balthazar wasn't having it. He stamped his foot and wailed even louder. "No! I don't want to go to the shower! I want to stay up and play with my toys!"
Sam knew that giving in to Balthazar's demands wasn't the right way to handle this. He needed to be firm, but gentle. "I understand that you want to stay up and play," Sam said calmly. "But it's time for your shower now. You'll feel much better once you're clean and in your pajamas."
Balthazar's cries turned into sobs as he collapsed onto the floor. Sam knelt down beside him and rubbed his back, trying to soothe him. "It's okay, Balthazar. I know it's hard, but you can do this. I'm here with you."
Dean, who had been standing in the doorway, sighed heavily. "I'm sorry, Sammy. I'm just too tired to deal with this tonight. You got this?"
Sam nodded, his attention still focused on Balthazar.
"Yeah, I got this. You go get some rest."
Dean nodded, giving Sam a grateful pat on the shoulder before turning to leave. Sam knew that Dean wasn't shirking his responsibilities as a parent. He was just as exhausted as Sam was, and sometimes it was easier to let Sam take the lead. And dean did just finished with Castiel and Gabriel, Damn he was tired.
Sam continued to rub Balthazar's back, his movements slow and steady. He knew that trying to rush Balthazar through this meltdown would only make things worse. "Take your time, Balthazar," Sam said gently. "Whenever you're ready, we'll go to the shower together."
It took a while, but eventually, Balthazar's sobs turned into whimpers, and then into hiccups. Sam continued to rub his back until he was calm enough to stand up. Balthazar wiped his tears and looked up at Sam, his eyes still red and puffy.
"Okay," Balthazar said quietly. "I'll go to the shower now."
Sam smiled, relieved that the worst of the meltdown was over. "Good job, Balthazar. I'm proud of you."
As they walked to the bathroom, Sam kept his hand on Balthazar's shoulder, guiding him gently. When they got to the shower, Balthazar hesitated for a moment before stepping in. Sam handed him a washcloth and a bar of soap, and then waited outside the shower, listening to the sound of the water running.
A few minutes later, Balthazar emerged, clean and wrapped in a towel. He looked up at Sam, his expression sheepish. "I'm sorry, Sammy." his voice was inaudible.
Sam knelt down to his level and gave him a hug. "It's okay, Balthazar. I know you didn't mean to. It's just hard sometimes, and that's okay."
*THE END*