Bonds of Strength)
Addie Barnes lay on the couch, her face contorted in pain. The room spun around her, and every noise felt like a dagger piercing her skull. It was one of those days when her migraines were at their worst, and today seemed to be breaking all records.
"Dad, I don't think I can take this anymore," she groaned, her voice barely a whisper.
Bucky Barnes, her father, rushed to her side, concern etched deep into his features. He had seen Addie battle through her migraines before, but today seemed particularly brutal.
"I'm here, Addie," Bucky said softly, brushing her hair away from her face. "I'll take care of you."
Addie managed a weak smile, grateful for her father's presence. Despite everything he had been through, he always found a way to be there for her when she needed him most.
But just as Bucky moved to comfort her, Addie's stomach lurched, and she barely had time to stumble to the bathroom before she emptied the contents of her stomach into the toilet.
Bucky followed her, his heart breaking at the sight of his daughter in such agony. He knelt beside her, holding back her hair as she retched.
"I'm sorry, Dad," Addie gasped between heaves. "I hate this."
Bucky shook his head, his eyes filled with empathy. "It's not your fault, Addie. You're strong, remember? You'll get through this."
Addie wanted to believe him, but in that moment, all she could focus on was the pain ripping through her head and the nausea churning in her stomach.
After what felt like an eternity, the worst of the vomiting subsided, leaving Addie drained and exhausted. Bucky helped her to her feet and guided her back to the couch, where she collapsed in a heap.
"I'll get you some water and painkillers," Bucky said, his voice filled with tenderness. "Just hang in there, kiddo."
Addie nodded weakly, grateful for her father's care. Despite the darkness of her pain, she found solace in the knowledge that she wasn't alone—that no matter what, Bucky would always be there to support her.
As she drifted into a fitful sleep, she clung to that thought, holding onto the bonds of strength that tied her to her father, knowing that together, they could weather any storm.
In that moment, despite the pain and the nausea, Addie felt a glimmer of hope flicker to life within her, guiding her through the darkness toward a brighter tomorrow.
And with Bucky by her side, she knew she could face whatever the future held.
Together, they would endure.
The end.