Strange Worlds 3 - Episode 1

In Memory

Hawkins, Indiana, 2017.

It completed three months after the tragedy that killed thousands. Including Michael Wheeler and Dustin Henderson.

Today was a day in which everyone would pay homage to those who did not survive.

And among these people was Steve Rogers, who had already settled with Stark, but before the government, he was still a fugitive.

He was looking at the gravestones, one written "Michael Wheeler - Loved husband and Father - Died at 46 years old - 1971-2017" and another one written "Dustin Henderson - Loved husband and son - Died at 47 years old - 1970-2017"

There was a woman near Michael's gravestone crying, leaving some roses and "waffles".

Steve approached the woman and looked at Michael's gravestone.

STEVE: My condolences.

WOMAN: *sobs* thank you.

STEVE: You're one of the survivors aren't you?

WOMAN: Unfortunately yes, I should have died in his place. He was trying to save me.

STEVE: I'm sorry to hear that. He seemed to be a good man.

WOMAN: And he was. Romantic, careful and hopeful.

Steve opened his mouth to say something, but instead, he shook his head and walked to the next gravestone, Dustin's.

STEVE: Oh my God, it doesn't end.

NATASHA: Unfortunately.

STEVE: Oh hey, Nat.

NATASHA: Hello, captain, doing your good deed of the day?

STEVE: I'm not "Captain" anymore, you know that.

NATASHA: Well, I'm sorry, I'm not used to call you Steve.

STEVE: *grins* So why are you here?

NATASHA: Doing what everybody is doing. Paying homage.

STEVE: Well... It's good to have you here.

NATASHA: Thanks... *Looks at the crying woman and sighs* I wish it were different ... I wish we could celebrate the victory today. Not... *Looks at the place* this.

STEVE: We ARE celebrating... Honoring those who couldn't get out of this alive.

NATASHA: You must be here a long time.

STEVE: Since morning. So... *Gets up* What a fugitive like you do here? *Grins*

NATASHA: Like I said... Honoring the dead.

STEVE: I know you very well, Nat.

NATASHA: *sighs* Actually, I'm not lying. For real.

STEVE: Okay then... Any news from the survivors?

NATASHA: They're ok, nothing has changed. Some of them asked about "Mike"...

As soon as Natasha said the word "Mike", the woman who was crying looked at them and walked to them.

WOMAN: Did you know Mike?

NATASHA: No... Some of his friends told me to put this on his gravestone... Did you know him?

WOMAN: Yes... *Sobs* He was my... Husband.

NATASHA: So you must be Jane Ives... I'm so sorry for your loss.

JANE: Thanks... What did they give you?

NATASHA: This... *Gives Jane a picture of all of them in the Snowball.*

JANE: Oh... *Sobs.* Thank you...

NATASHA: Do you want any help? Medicines? Anything?

JANE: I'm... "fine"...

NATASHA: Okay, if you need anything, we are here.

JANE: Thanks.

   A redheaded woman approached Jane and patted her shoulder.

WOMAN: It looks like I'm late, sorry.

JANE: Don't be. Is everything okay there?

  Steve and Natasha were watching the whole "homages" scene under a tree near there. Rogers looked down and breathed heavily.

STEVE: You know... sometimes I wonder how much Peggy must have suffered shortly after my death, at my funeral. And now, about a year ago I was doing the same thing. When I first saw her after I woke up... I...

NATASHA: Shh... it's okay, not trying to let you down but... things like this have to happen.

STEVE: I know, I just wish it didn't happen that fast, since I woke up, I've only been fighting, not saying it's bad, but that's all that has happened, wonder if this place here will be my rest when everything is in peace.

Natasha patted Steve's shoulder.

NATASHA: Same...

Nat's communicator started ringing, she nodded to Steve, smiled and answered, heading to the cemetery gate.

Steve kept looking at the cemetery... he glanced beyond the sky, breathed heavily and slowly got away.