When I wake the next morning, she's gone. I'm more used to it than you'd expect. She rises with the sun in summer. A relic of a farmer's life, something you wouldn't expect her to hold onto. I thought I woke early, getting up for a run at 06:30, get back and have breakfast before most of the Avengers wake up. But most mornings, Etana's already training when I wake up. That or she's already eaten, trained and come back to bed. She doesn't do rests. She's a true soldier, one who is always fighting, catching sleep when she needs it, always wary. She likes to joke she's like a swan, who sleep with one eye open. The thing is, I'm not actually that surprised.

I shiver in the air. They told me to wear the colours. To my amusement, there was a little black ribbon tied to the front. Someone got past the SHIELD guards. The door opens and I'm led out, into the howling hordes of journalists and photographers. For some reason, I notice every tiny detail, every little change in colour and brightness and intensity.

I start up the steps, noticing every flaw in the white marble. White marble… I shiver, remembering Tana's dream. Maybe that was what she meant. That I'll be sentenced to death. I reach the top of the steps and pause. A voice rings out, loud above the bustle.

"STEVE! STEVE!"

Tana… She's come, despite what she said. She forces her way through the crowd, image inducer hiding her features.

"TANA!"

Then something hits my chest and I stagger backwards. I feel vaguely surprised to see the blood splurting from the bullet wound in my chest. Etana is suddenly beside me, lowering me down, cradling my head in her hands. I can see her face, her real face, covered in tears.

"Don't go Steve… Don't leave me again…"

"Sorry Tan… Made a mistake…"

"Hold on. Please hold on. Steve, I have something important to tell you. Please… Stay with me. Please! Someone! A medic! Please!"

I want to touch her face, say goodbye, but my hands are still cuffed behind my back.

"PLEASE! A MEDIC! Please…"

"Sor…ry…"

I feel her hands pressing to the entry wound, applying pressure, trying to halt the bleeding.

"Someone raise his chest! Help me! Please! Steve, stay with me, stay with me!"

I try to speak but it hurts too much.

"Get the cuffs off! I can't apply the full pressure. Don't just stand there! Help! Help, you mysʼanthrʼáṗyq pʼáʼáls!"

The cuffs are undone and I'm partially aware of being picked up and placed on a stretcher. Etana is clutching my hand, her face blurring in front of my eyes.

"Can no one help!? Please… Someone… You have to help me…"

"…Tan…"

She looks wild-eyed and I realise this is one of the first times I've ever seen her lose control.

"You aren't going to die? Understand? I am not letting you die. I'm not…"

"Ma'am, we're going to have to ask you to leave…"

"NO!"

I feel her being wrenched away from me and I'm too weak to protest. Then a sudden gurgle, a few exhaled breaths and then she's standing above me.

"Steve…"

The last thing I see are her eyes, her gorgeous silver eyes, brimming with tears.