Ms.Marvel's Stress

4

Kamala's POV:

It had been a few days since everything had happened. Since the time I had collapsed, since I had found myself in Attilan with Medusa and Captain Marvel. Every day, I was getting used to this new, quieter existence-no more street crime or battling supervillains in Jersey City. But somehow, the silence felt even more suffocating than the chaos.

Today, I found myself sitting in a plush chair in a quiet, spacious room, away from the intensity of the Attilan halls. Medusa had insisted I stay in a room that felt warmer, more welcoming. I had no idea where Captain Marvel was. She was probably off doing something important. I didn't know if I could talk to her yet, not after everything.

My mind wandered back to Jersey City and the weight of everything I had failed to do. The lives I hadn't saved, the people I hadn't protected. I sighed heavily, rubbing my eyes with the back of my hand, feeling the familiar sting of tears threatening to spill again.

Just as I was about to sink further into my thoughts, I heard the sound of footsteps. I looked up, startled, to see Medusa standing in the doorway, holding a tray of food. A gentle smile played on her lips, but her eyes were full of concern.

"You've been in here all morning," Medusa said softly. "I thought you might be hungry."

I blinked, not realizing I hadn't eaten yet. The food on the tray was simple-some fruit, a small sandwich, and a glass of juice. I tried to smile, but it felt weak. "Thanks, Medusa. I'm not really hungry."

She raised an eyebrow, setting the tray on the table next to me. "Nonsense. You've barely eaten since you arrived. You need your strength."

I frowned, feeling a pang of embarrassment. "I'm fine," I muttered, my gaze shifting to the window.

Medusa didn't back down, however. She sat down next to me, the seat creaking under her weight. "Kamala, listen to me. You've been through a lot. Your body and mind need time to heal, and that means taking care of yourself. If you don't, you'll burn out."

I wanted to argue, to tell her I wasn't a child, but something in her tone made me hesitate. She wasn't just talking about food; she was talking about everything else, too. I knew I hadn't been taking care of myself. I had been pushing so hard to be something I wasn't. To be a hero, I wasn't sure I could be anymore.

"Come on," Medusa said gently, picking up a piece of fruit and holding it out toward me. "One bite. Just for me?"

I looked at her, feeling a little overwhelmed by the kindness in her voice. The last thing I wanted was to be treated like a kid, but right now... I just wanted someone to take care of me. I didn't even know if I deserved it, but it felt nice. So I took the piece of fruit, biting into it quietly.

"There, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Medusa said with a soft smile, and I couldn't help but give her a small, reluctant grin.

I shook my head. "No, I guess not."

She leaned back in her chair, her gaze thoughtful. "You've had a lot of people in your life telling you what you should be, what you should do. But now, it's time for you to decide for yourself. You don't have to be perfect. You just have to be Kamala Khan."

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, I couldn't find the words to respond. I wasn't sure who I was anymore, but I was starting to think I might be okay with figuring that out-slowly.

Before I could answer, the door opened again, and Captain Marvel stepped inside. She had a hesitant look on her face, her hands clasped in front of her. "Kamala, can we talk?"

My stomach twisted at the thought. I wasn't sure I was ready for this, not yet. But Medusa stood up, her presence calm and steady. "I'll give you two some space," she said softly, her tone leaving no room for argument. She nodded to me, then left the room quietly.

Captain Marvel took a seat next to me, looking like she wasn't sure how to start. I wasn't sure I wanted her to. But her presence was comforting in a strange way. I still didn't know if I could forgive her yet, but maybe I didn't have to. Maybe... maybe it wasn't about forgiveness right now. Maybe it was about healing.

"Kamala..." she began, her voice softer than I'd ever heard it. "I know I messed up. And I know I've let you down."

I stayed quiet, staring at my hands. I didn't know what I wanted to say. I didn't even know if I wanted her to say anything.

"I'm sorry," she said, her voice raw. "I should've been there for you. I wasn't, and I'll regret that for a long time. But I want you to know, you're not alone in this. I'm here, and I will do better by you."

I met her eyes then, and for a moment, I saw the sincerity in them. Maybe I wasn't ready to accept everything, but I could feel something softening inside of me.

"Thank you," I whispered, almost without thinking. "I... I just don't know if I can do this anymore."

Captain Marvel nodded, her expression filled with empathy. "You don't have to do it alone, Kamala. You don't have to do it at all, if you don't want to. But we'll be here every step of the way."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I tried to swallow it down. It was hard to admit it, but I realized... I wasn't alone. And that meant more than anything.

"Okay," I said quietly, not sure what came next, but feeling a little lighter than I had in days. "Okay."

Medusa's voice echoed in my mind, soft and reassuring: *"You just have to be Kamala Khan."*

Maybe I was starting to understand what that meant after all.