The Break of Winter ▸B. Barnes

Epilogue

5 years later

"Grant, are you ready sweetie?" I called out, but got no response. "Grant!" I called again. I walk to his room and find Bucky on the floor tickling the small boy. Grant jumps and grabs onto my leg.

"Mommy help!" He cries out laughing. I giggle as Bucky gets up and walk towards us like a zombie.

"I hate to crash the party, but we gotta get going," I say. Bucky's smile falters a bit.

"Mommy's right, we really need to go," he adds. He gives me a quick peck on the cheek before walking out the room. I sit Grant on the bed and start putting his shoes on. After everything, Bucky and I made the decision to adopt a kid, since HYDRA sterilized me. We named him Grant, in honor of Steve.

"Are we going to see Uncle Steve?" The child asks, jumping off the bed.

"Yes, baby," I reply, wiping a stray tear. Today was the day we had been dreading; the day that we have to take Steve off of life support. "Let's go," I say reaching my hand out for him to take. I lead him out to the truck, where Bucky is already waiting. I buckle Grant into his car seat, and climb into the passenger seat. I lean back against the seat with a sigh. Bucky grabs my hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze.
•••
"Why is he sleeping?" Grant asks me, tugging at my sleeve. I sniffle, ignoring him. He runs over to Bucky. "Daddy, why is mommy crying?" I hear him whisper. Bucky wipes away his own tears before picking him up and holding him. I place my hand on Steve's cold one.

"Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, are you ready?" A nurse comes in and ask.

"No," I say, turning to face her. "But go ahead." We watch the nurse unplug several machines, until Steve finally takes his last breath. I lay my head down on the bed next to him, a final sob shaking my body. I feel Grant run up to me. I sit up, allowing the small boy to climb on my lap and wrap his arms around my neck.

"It's okay, mommy," He says. "Uncle Steve is with Auntie Nat and Uncle Tony." I smile weakly, happy that our kid knows of the amazing people who made it possible for him to be here.