Avengers Generations

Chapter 22

Charity watched as the S.H.I.E.L.D. medic slowly unwrapped the white bandages from her hands. She had seen this done every day for a week, but it always shocked her to see the deformity under the dressings. Today was different, though - the doctor had called it 'good news' - she wouldn't need the bandages re-applied today. Now she's be allowed to look at her hideousness 24/7.

"They healed so well!" The medic said, trying to put a positive spin on the fact that she'd lost everything. Charity examined her battle scars again, looking at the stub of forearm on her left side - the hand completely gone. Her right hand had been more fortunate; her thumb and index finger looked no worse for wear, but her only other finger - her middle finger - was only half there. The rest of her right hand was gone, like a cake sliced in half.

"Are the colors normal?" Charity asked sadly, looking at the grayish skin surrounding the wounds.

"Yes, it'll go away soon." The medic responded "You should stay in bed for a while before walking around, but whenever you're feeling up to it you're welcome to take a hot shower and put on your uniform."

"How can I hold soap with this hand?" Charity said, holding up two and a half fingers to the man.

"You'll learn." He replied "You're not the first person in the world to have this problem, Ms. Coulson, and others are living perfectly happy lives."

Charity thought that was probably the worst encouragement she'd ever heard, so she chose to ignore it. "Can I see my dad?" She asked, not even sure if she wanted to or not.

"Sure." He replied, tapping his ear and summoning the agent before leaving the recovery room.

Charity waited for a while - her dad must have been busy with something else - so she sat alone with her thoughts, and her mutilations. The room was rigidly white with no trace of life other than a wilting vase of flowers on the pale bedside table - daisies, naturally. Everything was white except the grey of her skin.

The door opened slowly and Peggy timidly popped her head through the opening. "Is it alright if I come in?" She asked quietly.

"Of course." Charity said, putting on a small smile. Peggy had visited her every day since Portland, and the two had gotten to know each other well despite their age difference.

Peggy walked in, smiling mischievously and holding something behind her back.

"Whatcha got?" Charity said, craning her neck to see what was in the girl's hands "Cherry bombs?"

Peggy turned to block her view. "No..." She said mysteriously "I brought you a present."

"Well what is it? You're killing me!" Charity said, almost with a laugh.

"This!" Peggy triumphantly held out the sweetest-looking stuffed lion to Charity, who smiled delightedly.

"Peggy, I love it!" Charity said, reaching out to take the toy. She paused as her heart skipped a beat when she realized there was no hand to grab it. Switching hands, she sighed as she took the toy between her thumb and forefinger. "I'm still not used to it." She said.

"I don't know if anyone gets used to it." Peggy said, taking a few steps closer to her friend.

Charity nodded solemnly. "Thank you, by the way." She said, nodding to the lion that now sat slightly lopsided in her lap.

"My pleasure." Peggy said "Oh, and your dad wanted me to tell you that he'll be in in a bit. There's something going on in command central - looks very important." Peggy had been the bringer of news for her bed-ridden friend, which basically meant Charity knew everything Peggy did about the goings-on - which was next to nothing.