Maya Stark

Chapter 46: Tony's last goodbye

It was late that night, and I was staring at my ceiling. Sleep seemed stupid. Trying to sleep sounded even stupider. I wasn't going to be able to, no matter how much I tried. Nat, Steve, and dad littered my mind whenever I closed my eyes. I turned to the side and my eyes land on the Iron Man helmet. I hadn't watched what was on it yet. I was terrified and not ready to see what he had to say to me. I took a deep breath and got up, grabbing the helmet. I set it up on my dresser and sat on my bed as a holographic image of my dad popped up. I sucked in a breath as he started talking.

'Hey, kid. God, I hope you never, ever, have to see this, but if you're watching this right now, then, well, I guess I'm gone. It seems only fair to make a video for you since you made one for me. I hope that, even if I'm not there with you, you still can smile. Think back on everything we've done. These past five years have been hell without you, even with the good things that it provided, like Morgan. I know it must be weird for you to come back with a new little sister, but I promise she was not a replacement for you, Maya. She was an addition to our family, and I hope you love her as much as I love her and you. It wasn't my plan to leave, Maya, I wanted to stay. You are going to do amazing things with your life, kid. I can feel it. And every day, even if I'm not with you to say it, I'm so proud of you. So, so, proud, Maya. Find your own way, Maya. Do whatever you think will make you happy and follow your gut. It has never been wrong before. I love you most, kiddo.'

The hologram clicked off and I stared at the helmet, my vision clouded with tears. I was going to make him proud. Somehow, someday. Lost the three people closest to me, have a new little sister, new home, Thor was in space, Clint with his family, Wanda somewhere out in the world trying to grieve, Bruce and some weird hulk-Bruce thing, and I was completely broken. But I would still make him proud. I had to.