𝖕𝖊𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖕𝖆𝖗𝖐𝖊𝖗 | year 3018

4

The current year is Year 2041.

Unlike what Peter said back then, he didn't get back into the world. He wasn't ready then.

Peter knew self isolation would drive him crazy after a long period of time. So, after he was meant to turn 40, he decided to venture out.

Peter had his hair died black, and throughout his time spent in the safe house, his hair had grown quite long.

Nobody took note of the hooded figure as Peter walked about Queens. He decided to visit Ned, so he took out his phone and called Ned.

It wasn't Ned who had picked up. Instead, it was his mom.

"Um, hey. Is Ned home?" Peter asked nervously.

"Who is this?"

"I'm a friend of Ned's." Peter explained.

The line fell quiet for a moment, before Ned's mom spoke up again. "I'm sorry, Ned got into an accident, he might not make it."

"Oh." Peter felt tears welling up in his eyes. "I'm sorry."

His best friend was on the verge of death.

"Thank you for telling me." Peter murmured before hanging up.

What now? Ned is currently in the hospital, dying. And Peter could do nothing.

Peter sighed, and retreated to an alleyway. Sitting down, he sobbed.

He sobbed away all his emotions.

All the deaths.

His mom.

His dad.

His uncle.

His aunt.

Tony.

Natasha.

Loki.

And now, perhaps even Ned.

"Why?" Peter whispered to himself. "Why do I deserve this?"
---
"Peter? Peter is that you?" A soft voice awoke Peter.

Scrambling, he sat up. Someone had seen him, someone knew his name.

"Peter, it's me MJ."

Peter relaxed. MJ. He could trust her.

"In here, M." He called out.

MJ appeared in front of him and gasped. Without bothering to care that he was dirty and all, she rushed to him and embraced the boy.

"Oh Peter. I missed you." She stuffed her head into Peter's shoulder.

"I miss you too, M." Peter mumbled, closing his eyes and leaned into her touch. This was the first human contact he had since May's death.

"Come back to my place. You can stay there." MJ offered, wait no, ordered Peter to do so.

"Okay." Peter agreed. MJ helped him stand up, and together, they headed towards MJ's place.

"People are staring at us." Peter muttered.

"They probably think that you are my son and judging on their looks, they probably think I didn't teach you well enough, considering you are a 17-year-old covered in dirt."

"Fair point." Peter agreed. "Say, how did you find me?"

MJ shrugged. "Don't really know. I was just walking around last night when I thought I saw you slipping into an alleyway. I thought my mind was playing tricks last night so I returned this morning to check."

"You could recognise me?" Peter asked, alarmed.

"Loser, we talk on the phone almost everyday." MJ laughed.

"Right. Right." Peter looked down in embarrassment. "But like, no one will recognise me right?"

"They shouldn't, so, you're fine."