A Birthday in 2003

May 12, 2003—Katharine Hepburn's ninety-sixth birthday.

In the original timeline, around this time, a tumor had begun spreading through the old lady's neck. The surgical risks had been too great, and in the end, both Hepburn and her family had agreed against treatment. She had passed away a month later.

But with a Kryptonian by her side, the old lady was still as lively as ever. If tigers did not move on all fours, Katharine Hepburn would have dragged Kitty into dancing tango with her every day.

In years past, this memorable day had always been celebrated at the Hepburn Family's seaside villa in Fenwick, Connecticut. It was really just a small family gathering, with whoever had time returning to the villa to get together.

But this year, at the old lady's request, it was being held on East 49th Street in Manhattan, New York. Besides family, she had invited some old friends and new friends to join the celebration.

The new friends were people Henry knew: two Eternals bigwigs, Gilgamesh and Thena.

Though the two had only met Katharine Hepburn once, when they moved into their new home, they were Henry's new neighbors. Wanting to help the young people build connections, the old lady had sent them invitations.

Gwen Stacy, Skye's tutor, had received an invitation as well. So had Cathy Webb, the paramedic the old lady had called in to help when the Mutant children had been injured.

Katharine Hepburn herself had very few old friends left. At her age, every meeting meant one fewer chance to meet again. So whenever she had a good excuse, the old lady would enthusiastically take the initiative and call to invite people.

Sometimes, she learned through the families of those old friends over the phone that someone had passed away at