||"Perhaps, somewhere, someday, at a less miserable time, we may see each other again."||
Vera woke Wanda up with her lovely voice as she always did, pulling her out of her slumber, her voice so gentle it was impossible not to wake with a smile.
"Today's breakfast is oatmeal with strawberries and toast," she presented the platter dramatically, and Wanda sat up, her stomach grumbling at the sight of homemade food. "And, Elijah wanted me to tell you that he'll be conducting your session outside today. It's beautiful out and there's no need to spend it inside."
She'd been wanting to walk around the facility, eager to see the water again. So she ate quickly, aware that Vera was staring down at the crumpled-up clothes Wanda had thrown into the basket last night. Luckily, her nurse didn't say anything about it, just grabbed the basket and set it out in the hall.
An hour later, Wanda was walking side-by-side with Elijah around the facility. The sky was a gorgeous azure, empty of clouds and full of possibility. The longer she stared up at it, the more in-tune she became with her past self. A younger, more innocent Wanda would have cried at the sight of a sky so blue.
"I figured you'd enjoy this view," Elijah said, staring down at her as she breathed in the day. "Come, I've set up an area where we can sit and talk."
They walked toward the back of the facility, where the waves crashed down against the foundation of the building, snaking up as if to reach for them, only to retreat back into the ocean. The small courtyard looked beautiful with the sun above it, illuminating the area perfectly. On a small patch of grass, there were cushions huddled together, a rectangular table that stood just a foot tall, and refreshments.
"You know my growing appetite well," she commented, taking his hand as he helped her sit down on the cushions.
Elijah laughed, then sat down across from her. "What can I say, I'm an observant guy," he picked up a finger-sandwich and took a bite, adding, "That, and Vera told me to bring out extra food."
Wanda bit into a scone, smiling as she did so.
It was easy, forgetting for a while that she was away from the people she loved. Being out here, enjoying the exquisite weather, eating delicious food, discussing something other than her past--it felt nice. This is how she imagined she'd spend her time had she been home: lounging around, eating great food, enjoying the effortless conversation she'd have with her team.
For now, though, this was enough.
But eventually, Elijah wiped his mouth with a napkin and grabbed the notebook she hadn't noticed beside him. He opened a blank page and grabbed a pen from his pocket. When he raised his head to look at her, she was already awaiting his question.
"How are you feeling today, Wanda? Actually, how are you feeling right now?"
She grabbed the glass of mango punch and stared as the ice cubes inside rattled around. "The sun feels good," she said. "It reminds me of home."
"Sokovia, you mean?"
"Yes."
"How?"
The mango punch was refreshing, quenching her thirst enough for her to put the drink down and give Elijah her full attention.
"I spent a lot of time outside when I was little. My brother would always take me on adventures, sometimes to places we weren't allowed to go, but, that made it even more fun." The memories rolled in like the waves below them, and Wanda felt herself smile as she recalled Pietro running wildly around her, his laughter so pure and rich. "The sky was never much to look at, but the sun was always there, making room for itself through the gray clouds."
