The setting sun swept a stream of gold across the fields. The shadows were growing longer now, and seemed to dance across the field as Lila chased her brother in circles, both of them laughing hysterically. A cool breeze began to pick up, and wisps of steam from Natasha's tea were quickly swept away as she cradled it in her hands.
She watched Lila and Cooper with a wistful smile upon her face. They were the picture of innocence, playing in the field, completely safe in that imaginary world of theirs. They were the lucky ones - so many children would never play again. And even those who survived the fire may never find this innocence again. Their childhood had been ripped away from them, just as Natasha's own childhood had been stolen. She'd been fighting to protect them - and she had failed.
A gentle hand found its way onto her shoulder and squeezed gently. She knew it was Clint, having seen his distinctive shadow edge its way up the porch towards her.
"I'm fine," she said, not turning around. He wouldn't believe her, she knew, but it needed to be said. Perhaps if she said it aloud, it would come true.
He didn't say anything, but stood next to her, still squeezing her shoulder and watching his children playing in the field.
She was grateful for his silence. He didn't try to tell her that it wasn't her fault, or that she did the best she could. He didn't ask her to look on the bright side, to think of the children that she did save. He didn't make any false promises, pledging that she'd catch the rascal next time, or that the survivors would be completely fine. He simply shared in her grief, and that made it easier to bear.
After some time, when the sun had crept beneath the horizon and the full moon was on the rise, Clint called out for Lila and Cooper to come inside. The children ran up the steps, breathless but still giggling, and dashed inside, leaving the screen door to swing wildly in their wake.
"Will you stay for dinner?" Clint asked.
Natasha finally looked up at him, shaking her head. "Thank you, but I'd better get back."
Clint looked at her carefully. Her eyes were moist and still dark with guilt and grief, but her entire demeanour seemed more relaxed now, more at peace. She may not sleep well tonight, but she would sleep.
"If you're sure," Clint said finally. "You know you're always welcome to stay the night."
Natasha smiled gratefully, but shook her head again. "I'll be fine. I'll just say goodbye to the children and be off." She reached up and gave him a hug. Clint squeezed her tightly, as she whispered "Thanks, partner."
She ducked inside to say goodbye to Laura and children, and soon, Clint was watching a faint figure speeding off into the distance on her motorbike.