Chapter 10
You did it.
Perfectly balanced.
As all things should be.
…
…
…
“Are you lost, ma’am?”
I rolled my shoulders, sitting on the edge of the steps. The gorgeous shrine, basking in yellow light, had been decorated. The little green-skinned girl with cherub cheeks, standing at the top, moved to sit by my side, huffing.
“No. I’m waiting for someone,” I sighed. I’d forgotten to bring my watch - I scolded myself when I realized that I didn’t need one. Not anymore. I knew when he’d show up.
“What’s your name, kid?”
“Gamora,” the little girl answered. “What’s yours?”
“Eh. Not important right now - are you waiting for someone, too?”
“Yes. My father.”
“I’ll go find him for you. Wait here.”
I moved forward, gliding through the orange void. I could feel him, getting closer.
He was sad.
I found him standing, head ducked. He didn’t move when I walked around him, stopping - I could have stood there forever, looking at him. Thinking about what could have been.
I wasn’t here for that.
“There are so many things you and I could have accomplished together,” Thanos murmured. “So many thing I want you and I to accomplish together-”
“I’m not coming back with you. I can't come back."
Thanos lifted his head. His eyes were red-rimmed, a stark contrast against the purple of his skin. “Why?”
“No magic stones, no cosmic manipulation...you did this. You have to live with this, now.”
“I have all the power in the universe, yet I still can’t change your mind?”
“You never could,” I reached out, taking his face between my hands and steering his gaze towards me. I looked deep into those hazel eyes, sighing. “I’m safe here. Free. No pain, no hunger - that’s what you wanted for everyone, right?”
Thanos didn’t respond. He dropped to one knee, and I pressed a gentle kiss against his forehead. He stayed like that for a moment, sacrificing his pride and silently begging for my forgiveness. It was the first gesture of humility I’d seen from him, and marveled at the simple change.
“I’m sorry.”
“I know,” I murmured. “And you’ll learn. Now go - there’s a little girl over there, and I think she's trying to find you."