Manhattan in the morning light was like the opening movement of a symphony of steel. The spire of Stark Tower pierced the pale blue mist.
The cables of the Brooklyn Bridge gleamed with a cold silver-gray light beneath the rising sun. As Captain America's jogging figure swept across the bridge deck, he seemed like a note dancing upon the strings of a steel harp.
A gray mist drifted past. Schiller, carrying breakfast in his hand, stood by the railing and waved to Captain America.
"Morning, Captain. This is yours." Schiller tossed a paper bag to Captain America.
Steve opened the bag and found his favorite frosted doughnuts and buttered toast. Schiller handed him a cup of hot Americano coffee as well, then asked, "How is Carter doing? I heard there were some complications during the delivery?"
"She's all right," Steve said. "There was a bit of commotion when the baby was born, but no one was hurt. Carter was exhausted, though. She stayed in the hospital for more than two months before she was discharged."
"What did the Mutants say?"
"They said the child is still too young to determine the specifics of her mutant abilities, but the hospital's examination found no physical defects. Thank heaven for that."
Seeing that Steve did not want to say more, Schiller did not press him. The child had already been born; it was only a matter of time before her particular mutant ability could be identified. The absence of physical defects was fortunate enough.
"By the way, that little guy..." Steve said as he took a doughnut from the bag and walked over to the railing. "New York hasn't had such an energetic Spider-Man in a long time."
"I can tell you tried your best to put it tactfully, Captain." Schiller smiled. "Sandman