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2016
The door opened softly and I looked up from my book, my hands clenching around it ready to attack. I then saw Ms. Potts peek her head in and I immediately relaxed, "Oh! You're awake again!" She said softly, as she came in and shut the door gently behind her, holding a hanger with a bag over it, "Yeah, good morning, Ms. Potts." I replied, smiling slightly, "Good morning, Cynthia. How did you sleep?" Ms. Potts inquired, her gaze filled with genuine concern. She fully entered the room, the bag over the hanger swaying slightly as she walked.
"Uh, not at all." I said with a dry chuckle, she gave me a small frown before laying the hanger on the bed and walking over to the curtains, pulling them apart to let the morning sunlight filter into the room. The warmth spilled over the floor, casting a golden hue that contrasted with the cool tones of the room.
"You know, the compound can be quite beautiful in the morning," Ms. Potts commented with a smile, turning her attention back to me. Ms. Potts had a way about her, a comforting presence that made it easier to open up. "Maybe," I replied, setting the book aside. "Thanks for the sunshine."
"You're welcome," she said, walking over to the bag on the hanger. "Now tonight, Tony is hosting a cocktail party of sorts, he's inviting politicians. governments officials, a party to bridge the gap after what happened with the Sokovia Accords." She pulled out a long sleeve, floor-length champagne-colored dress, "And I know you like to be covered and your favorite color being yellow, so, I thought you might like this for tonight."
"Wow, Ms. Potts, this is beautiful," I marveled, eyeing the elegant dress. Ms. Potts grinned, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Tony thought you wouldn't be up to the party, but I told him, you're strong, you could do it." I smiled weakly as I stood up and ran a finger over the fabric, "It's weird, I never really saw myself at those fancy parties, even before– I was livin' in a small town in Texas, not going anywhere."
I sighed as memories of a life before Hydra flickered in my mind, a simpler time when the world was a lot less complicated. "Thank you, Ms. Potts," I said sincerely, appreciating the gesture. "I'll give it a try."
"I'm sure you'll look stunning," she replied, her smile warm and encouraging. "And besides, it might be a good way to distract yourself from the recent events. A night of normalcy, perhaps?" I nodded, realizing the potential of momentarily stepping away from the weight of my past and embracing the present. "Yeah, normalcy sounds nice."
"Great! The party starts in the evening, so you have some time to get ready. If you need any help with hair or makeup, just let me know," she offered. "Thank you, Ms. Potts. I appreciate it," I said, genuinely touched by her kindness. She left the dress hanging in the room and walked towards the door. "And honey, please, call me Pepper."
"Right, I'll do that... Pepper." I replied, the unfamiliar name feeling oddly soothing on my tongue. She flashed me a warm smile before stepping out of the room, leaving me alone with the elegant dress draped over the bed.
