Then it begins to smoke

Chapter 1
Peter’s Point of View
My head was throbbing, like my head was going to explode it hurt so bad.
My mind was slow. What was I doing here?
“Peter. You’re awake.” Someone said, above me. The voice was male, familiar. I open my eyes, even though it takes an extreme effort. It’s Bruce Banner, looking down at me with a tight face.
Then I remember. Anna. The gunshots. Anna. Getting hit in the back of the head. Anna.
I bolt upright, only to have Bruce leap in front of me.
“Peter- “
“Where is she?” I ask, please let it be good news. Please. Please
“Peter,” Bruce says, his tone careful cautious. Like he has bad news to deliver.
“She’s gone isn’t she? H.Y.D.R.A. or Doom?” I ask. Bruce sighs, rubbing his eyes as he looks at the ground.
“We don’t know.” Bruce says, She’s gone. Anna is gone. There’s a hollow feeling in my chest. An emptiness. A dull ache. Anna is gone. Is she alive? Is she dead? Which is worse? Which one do I hope for?
“Peter, we think it’s best for you too- “Bruce starts, but I run out of the room before he can finish talking. She can’t be gone. She isn’t gone. This is a joke. A sick joke. She’s behind it. It’s a test. To see how much, I love her. That’s what this has to be. Right? Please let it be a joke. A trick. Please don’t be gone.
Then as I walk around the Tower as if I’ll run into her; I find Clint.
His eyes are red, and he looks broken.
That’s when it hits me.
She really is gone.
Taken.
Killed?
Tortured?
That’s when I cry.

Notes