This was an interesting departure from most of the stories posted in this exchange. I really liked how you structured it, drawing parallel threads between Sam's trying to adjust with Dean around to help, and learning to adjust without him.

I particularly liked the image of Sam lying awake and restless at Stanford with the unopened salt canister - trying so hard for 'normal'. And I loved the elbow to the ribs from Jess. I remember playing co-ed basketball pick up games in college - you captured that exactly as I remember it.

Sweet ending. And so poignant, because we know it doesn't last.