Chapter 1
Y/n used to be happy, really happy. She used to get so overjoyed that it felt like she was flying She would give everything to be that way again.
To take back all that she did that was selfish and that she didn't regret in the moment.
Now she finds herself among the wreckage of her home.
She breathed. She didn't feel like she was supposed to be alive. The stinging brightness for the sun wouldn't go away.
As she blinked the pain away, she slowly gathered herself enough to partially stand up. Ears ringing, she coughed. Covered in dust, that was the least of her worries.
Over the 2 years she survived with the shelter, they found her.
When it hits her, hell breaks loose. The adrenaline surges through Y/n's body, she shook and trembled with each step she took.
Y/n drew closer to the fear she felt that day that she thought was in the past.
Fight or Flight?
She had the element of surprise, but she was still weak from the malnutrition of eating garbage and anything she could salvage.
Run.
They never found her before. What could go wrong this time.
So she ran and eventually found herself in the city. Even though she avoided people, she still knew her way around New York City as that 13 year old girl did 2 years ago.
Through the crowd she went. To the food court she always used to go to, before finding that the city was too risky to be in if she wanted to stay free.
The food court was nearly empty, yet there was a whole meal sitting there, unaccompanied. Creeping up to the table, she hastily sat. Devouring the meal, she got not two bites before that dreaded feeling she had just a few hours ago came.
Not even having to look up, She runs.
Speeding out to the exit in front of her, she reaches the door and sprints and dashes through the streets. Still feeling it, she doesn't stop, never looking back.
Then she stops. Hearing a voice, "Can I help you kid?... You don't have to be afraid, I just want to help."
Y/n took a step closer to the man, his trusting nature couldn't be ignored.
"You look like you've been through hell."
Y/n never made eye contact and continues to look away. Too afraid to reveal her identity, she quietly whispers;
"I don't need your help, I've made it this far on my own." She wonders still, of all the possibilities, what was he thinking?
"Was it HYDRA?"
She whips her head around, immediately making eye contact, and startling the man.
Y/n whispers again "Is that who stole my parents?"
By the look on his face she wonders whether he was questioning her ratty appearance or the question.
Kneeling down to her level, he lowers his voice and says "My name is James, what is yours?"
