Lilliana: The Oldest Maximoff [Discontinued]

Recovery Pt.1

"Here, let me get that" Steve gestures the the bag in my hand.

I simply give it to him, and return packing.

I come across the shirt I wore the day I came to America. The last day I saw my family.

Tears return to the brim of my eyes. I sniffle to contain my sadness.

Then all of the happy memories of my family- sitcom movie nights, dance parties in the living room, Mom singing Sokovian lullabies, pep talks from Dad- they all hit me at once.
I break down in heart wrenching sobs.

There are splintering sounds echoing throughout the room but my vision is to blurry to make out anything.

Soon enough, there are parading footsteps.

"Hey, hey, hey," he comforts, "shh"

My heart feels so sunken that it's touching the floor.

I can't breathe
I can't breathe
I can't breathe
I think I'm having a panic attack

"I c-can't b-b," I can't manage to speak, "b-breathe"

"Just take a deep breath. Breathe in with me." Steve commands softly.

He inhales slowly, gesturing for me to follow.

After a while, I'm able to slow my breathing and calm down.

"That's good, that's good. You're okay I've got you." He squeezes me again.

Once my sight returns, I see the scene. There are giant fist-shaped dents in the floor, and the closet doors have been ripped off the hinges.

Steve must see my panic from the destruction I've caused because he tries to lighten the mood,

"it's fine, Tony's rich anyway. His wallet won't take any damage."

We both give half-hearted laughs, but they don't quite reach our eyes.

I let out a sigh and take one last deep inhale.

"Okay then, these are the last bags so... we can go."

"Alright," Steve grabs all of the bags in one swoop, and he heads to the door.

I take one last look around the apartment, and lock the door.

Never look back.

---------------------

"This is the spare bedroom. It's not huge, but-" Steve starts.

"It's great, Steve. Thank you. You didn't have to open up your home to me, but you did so-"

"I understand, Fury helped me in ways that I couldn't even imagine after I came out of the ice. But, you don't need to thank me. You needed something, so I gave it to you." He insists.

I just give a thankful nod.

"I'll be right back, I'm going to get some fresh sheets for the bed."

I give a small sigh and examine the room, more closely now that Steve is distant.

It's a large room compared to the room I had back at home...
With my family

There it is again, that sinking pit in my core.

I let my emotions get the better of me for a few moments. I flick my fingers in a shake as I take an attempt at a deep breath. It just comes out shaky. I only let a few drops of water escape the bays of my eyes. Before I can sink further into my thoughts, steps echo in the hallway.