My Safe Haven

Chapter 43: The Last Call

-- Moments before the portal closes... --

Wanda's POV:

I couldn't get my hand to do the final gesture to finish everything. There's this huge uncertainty that I was feeling at the back of my mind. Will all of these be worth it? If I close the portal, will I truly move forward? Or is this just me taking a step backwards? Suddenly, powerful words replayed in my mind...

'But what is grief, if not love persevering?'

Vision's words reminded me that what I already have in my current universe and the people right in front of me in the opposite side of the portal is the right future for me. Grieving was hard enough for me to process and if I actually do go through with my decision of staying in Pietro's universe, then that would truly be a step backwards than forward for me. I let out a heavy sigh and placed both of my hands on my sides just so I can think but before I can come up with a final decision, Pietro slid something in the palm of my hand.

I looked at it and saw a very recent photo of him and our parents. It's great to see them growing old together rather than what happened to them in my universe. Along with the photo he gave me, there was a locket necklace that had a photo of the younger version of myself and Pietro while the other side had our parents' photograph as well. I just looked at him, waiting for an explanation.

"You're right, Wanda. You do not belong here. If I do actually drag you here, it would be unfair for you. You need to move forward with your life and this is not the way to do it. We miss you but I get it now. I really do. Staying here might actually hurt you even more. It's now bringing up all sorts of emotions and it's heading towards the word 'wrong'. I was being selfish and I'm sorry." he said as he exhaled heavily before continuing, "I got that locket for you the day before you died and it was supposed to be a present for our birthday but you didn't make it. But at least, I'm still able to give it to you and the most recent photo is for you to keep and remember that somewhere out in this crazy multiverse, we're alive and well. I think that's all that matters, Wanda. Closure." he implied.

"Right. I guess this is what we really need. Closure. Thanks, Piet." I replied. I then grabbed his phone that was in his pocket and pulled up the camera. I took a couple photos of myself and also made sure he joined. "There. Show this to mama and baba, tell them I'm okay and happy. I love you guys, always. And about the wounds that healed? Remember that there are still scars that are left and those scars are reminders of the three of you. You take care, okay? Please don't do anything reckless and stupid since you joined the Avengers already." I chuckled.

"I promise and you do the same. Now get out of here before I regret it. Go to Nat. She's definitely a keeper and you two are great for each other. I'm happy for you, sis." he smiled.

I stepped out of the portal and gave him a reassuring nod and he did the same. "Goodbye, Piet." I muttered, tears of both joy and sadness started streaming down my eyes again.

"Goodbye, Wanda." he replied as he waved his hand goodbye.

I finally had the strength to finish this off and with just a flick of my wrist. A thunderclap echoed through the sky that could be heard to the heavens and strong winds bursted at the seams making me squint my eyes and when the dust settled, I opened my eyes and saw the portal gone along with Pietro in it as the sky faded back to its natural colors. And after all of that, I was able to breathe better. I didn't even acknowledge the people behind me but instead, I just used my powers to teleport myself back to the bedroom that Nat and I share since I assume that's where she is right now.

Once I was able to teleport myself back, all I saw was an empty bedroom which made me wonder where she could be right now. I didn't have to think harder because I could feel her on the other side of the bedroom door. I slowly walked towards it and looked at the peephole to check on her and it looks like she was picking up the pieces of what's left of her before she started walking away from the door. I can only imagine the pain she's feeling right now and this is when I realized that I made the right choice. Before she could get further away, I slowly opened the door and got out of the room. Natasha instantly holt but her back was still facing me.