Chapter 143: Heartfelt Conversations

Steve felt conflicted after hearing those words. Glancing down at the note in his hand, he decided it was time to see the woman he once loved.

Since becoming Captain America, his enhanced abilities from the Super Soldier Serum had enabled him to protect his country and the world from dangerous threats.

He didn't feel he owed anything to his role as Captain America or to his country. The only regret that still weighed heavily on his heart was the unfulfilled promise he made to Peggy all those years ago.

With that thought, Steve headed out, following the address written on the note.

One of the benefits of modern society was how clearly marked every street corner was, helping people know exactly where they were.

In just over an hour, after asking for directions, Steve found himself standing in front of a small house.

"Hello, is this where Peggy Carter lives?" Steve asked nervously as a young, attractive woman opened the door.

"Yes, this is my aunt Peggy Carter's home..."

She replied quickly, but after taking a closer look at Steve, a look of disbelief spread across her face.

"Are you Steve Rogers?" She gasped, covering her mouth in shock.

"I'm surprised you recognized me," Steve said, his voice soft. "Is it okay if I see Peggy?"

"Hi, I'm Sharon Carter, Peggy's niece," she introduced herself. "Of course I recognize you—there are pictures of you all over my aunt's house. But... aren't you... dead?"

Sharon quickly clarified, "I don't mean any offense by that, and I'm not saying I wish you were dead. It's just... all the books, movies, and even Aunt Peggy herself, they all said you were gone."

Steve nodded, understanding her surprise. "I know you didn't mean any harm. It's a long story... one I'll tell you after I've seen Peggy. Would that be okay?"

Sharon, still reeling from the revelation, stepped aside. "Of course, please come in. I'll take you to her room."

Steve followed Sharon through the house. As they reached a door, an elderly voice called out from the other side.

"Sharon, weren't you going out to get groceries?"

The frail, 90-year-old woman lying in bed had heard the door open. Though Steve thought he had prepared himself to see Peggy again, the sound of her voice filled him with a wave of guilt and fear. For a moment, he didn't dare to step inside.

"Aunt Peggy, someone's here to see you," Sharon replied, gesturing for Steve to go in, though he hesitated.

"Who would come to see an old lady like me?" Peggy said with a faint smile. Most of the friends she had from her younger days were long gone, taken by the war or old age. Aside from her niece, no one really visited her anymore.

"It's someone you've dreamed of seeing again," Sharon whispered, urging Steve to step forward. She tried to give him a little push, but moving a man of Steve's stature was impossible.

"Someone I've dreamed of?" Peggy repeated, her old, clouded eyes showing a flicker of curiosity.

Sharon grew impatient, whispering urgently, "Steve Rogers, just go in already!"

At the sound of his name, Peggy's eyes lit up, a mixture of disbelief and hope crossing her face. "Steve... is that really you?"

The words hit Steve hard, but hearing Peggy's voice filled with so much emotion, he finally stepped through the door.

"Peggy," Steve whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm so sorry. I came back too late."

Seeing the elderly woman, frail and confined to her bed, Steve's heart ached. Peggy, though much older now, still recognized him. Her voice trembled with disbelief as she said, "Steve..."

"Yes, it's me," Steve replied softly, stepping closer to her bedside and gently taking her hand.

"You're alive... you've come back," Peggy said, her voice breaking with emotion.

"Yes, Peggy, I'm back," Steve said, offering her a small, sad smile. The guilt of lost time weighed heavily on him as he spoke.

"You've been gone so long... so very long..." Tears welled up in Peggy's eyes as she spoke, her voice a mix of sorrow and relief.

"I would never leave my best girl behind," Steve whispered, squeezing her hand gently. "You still owe me a dance."

A small, sad smile crossed Peggy's lips as she replied, "I remember that promise... but no one can turn back the clock, Steve."

She had always hoped they could share a life together, but the years had made that impossible.

"I know, and I'm sorry. I can't change the past, but I'm here now," Steve said, his voice soft and full of regret.

Sharon quietly closed the door, feeling happy for her aunt. Even though they couldn't undo the past, at least Peggy could now find peace in seeing the man she had loved for so long.

Steve stayed with Peggy, sharing stories of the years they had missed, letting her talk about her regrets and the memories they never got to make. As she grew tired and finally fell asleep, Steve quietly left the room, his heart heavy.

He had believed that, like Howard Stark, Peggy would have long since passed away. But here she was, aged but still alive, full of sorrow and longing for the life they could never have.

If it were possible, Steve wanted to make it up to Peggy. But he knew, even if they shared one final dance, her body was too frail, her time too short.

That knowledge left him with a deep sense of helplessness

Author: Devout Prayer

Steve felt conflicted after hearing those words. Glancing down at the note in his hand, he decided it was time to see the woman he once loved.

Since becoming Captain America, his enhanced abilities from the Super Soldier Serum have enabled him to protect his country and the world from dangerous threats.

He didn't feel he owed anything to his role as Captain America or to his country. The only regret that still weighed heavily on his heart was the unfulfilled promise he made to Peggy all those years ago.

With that thought, Steve headed out, following the address written on the note.

One of the benefits of modern society was how marked every street corner was, helping people know exactly where they were.