And We Go On

Middle of the Night

I drove through the night till I finally arrived at Sam’s. It was late and everyone was sleeping except for him, who rushed out the door to greet me. I carefully got out of the car and met him, then broke down into silent tears. He just hugged me and held me, not asking for me to say anything. He grabbed my bag and then led me inside, and offered me the couch. I gratefully took it and wrapped myself up in the blanket and tried to sleep.

“Okay boys hurry up.” What a busy morning this family led. It made me smile as they all chatted about their daily plans, the good things they were doing with donating food, among other things. I helped where I could and followed everyone outside. Sam got the boys and everything packed up and then came to me.
“Sam, do you think I’m overreacting?” I questioned. I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
“I think you’re entitled to feel how you want.” Was the only answer he gave. I smiled at him, feeling validated. “Sarah and I have an appointment with the bank and then our errands. But if you need me, call me.” He confirms, and I nod in agreement. As they leave, I walk back into the house and freshen up, changing my clothes and then finally looking at my phone.
Oops, guess it died in the middle of the night. I grab the charger out of my bag and plug it in, letting it slowly boot up.
I stare at the screen and wait. Nothing. No calls, no texts. Nothing from Bucky. I let out an exasperated sigh and lay my head on the counter, covering it with my arms.

I keep myself busy for the day doing what I could around the house and just enjoying some alone time watching the water. When Sam returned, he gave me the bad news about the bank and in his frustration, decided to go work on the boat. I didn’t know the first thing about boats, but I grabbed my phone and went out there with him.
We worked until the sun began to dip below the horizon. Then without warning, my phone started going crazy. Several missed calls and texts, all from the same person.
Bucky.
I stared at my phone confused. Nothing all night and now all of a sudden? I felt a little angry. It took him this long to search for me. I looked at Sam, who simply shrugged. I let out a groan and answered what felt like the 20th call.
“Where are you?! Are you okay?!” Bucky sounded frantic.
“I’m safe. I’m with Sam. I’m not talking to you right now.” And I clicked the phone off. I looked at Sam who gave me a snarky satisfied grin. He was obviously happy I put Bucky in his place on that. I started to grin back, almost laughing, until Sam’s phone buzzed. He looked at it, then became alarmed. He said we had to go and we quickly rushed back to his house. He got his laptop set up in his room and we began to look at the video Torres sent us.
“So this is the leader of the flag smashers, huh?” Sam asked.
“Yeah, nice guy.” Torres looks beat to hell.
“I thought you were supposed to be monitoring them online.”
“I was. I did. But you know how sometimes you gotta get your hands dirty. Or you know a broken orbital.”
“You're lucky that’s all it was. He’s strong.” I watch the screen as this leader throws Torres around as if he weighed nothing. Almost a super human strength. The two talk and Sam seems like he’s worried it might be something. But the two agree to keep a watch on it and keep it between them. Sam disconnects the call then Sarah comes rushing in.
“Oh my god Sam, you gotta watch this.” She quickly runs to the remote and turns on the TV.
“Unease, in the wake of recent events, has left us vulnerable. Everyday Americans feel it. While we love heroes who put their lives on the line to defend Earth, we also need a hero to defend this country. We need a real person who embodies America’s greatest values. We need someone to inspire us again, someone who can be a symbol for all of us.” I see Sam’s hands tighten together as he watches, and I see the lines of his jaw move as he grits his teeth.
“Join me in welcoming your new Captain America.” My mouth drops open as I can’t believe what I’m seeing. They took the shield, and gave it to someone else. I see Sam drop his head and I feel so terrible for him. Then I look back at the TV and get angry. That man didn’t earn that shield. Steve gave it to Sam to do with it what he could. Sam did what he thought was right and now this guy appears. What a joke.