Chapter 16
Sometimes he goes to this quiet cafe he's found.
It's quiet, and the neighborhood is small enough that the security tapes are only ever looked at when there's a break-in, which, from what he's seen, has never happened.
The news plays in the background, just something about General Ross getting promoted to Secretary Of State.
From what he's read, the guy's so crooked, he doesn't have the time to care.
"Clătite și cafea, domnule."
"Mulțumesc."
He's been here about 3 times sporadically in the last 4 months, & each time, it's as if nothing's changed.
Two older gentleman always sit in the booth to the left, talking about the situations of the world.
There's a girl that has what seems to be her lunch break, red hair tied back in a ponytail that starts a headache if he keeps looking too long.
The cashier is continually making coffee for the same group of workers up the street, where the street is a never ending construction zone.
Sips his coffee quietly.
He comes here when his memories get too loud. A trigger starts a domino effect and he can't focus on just one, dreams piling up the mess.
There's a calm in the familiarity, and it's as big a luxury as he can afford.
The news continued.
*Translated from Romanian*
(...the announcement comes following Ross' recent trips to Capitol Hill, where the now Secretary of State has increased his campaign for oversight over enhanced individuals following the incident in Sokovia just months ago.)
The newscaster panned to the next camera, as he straightened his papers.
(Authorities continue their search for the Winter Soldier, James Buchanan Barnes, former Howling Commando and suspected perpetrator for multiple political assassinations. Barnes was last seen in Austria, where the trail has since gone cold, as multiple tips continue to pour in.
Up next, we speak to psychologist Dr. Anthony Broussard and son of Howling Commando member, Gabe Jones, on the subject."
He leaves before it finishes, the amount of the food on the counter.
He doesn't come back to the cafe after that.