A week passed.
America, which had been plunged into turmoil and chaos, finally calmed down. Although the country was still shrouded in a bleak, mournful atmosphere, people occasionally took to the streets to lay flowers and candles for the innocent victims of the bombing. Television stations also covered the sensational funeral, as though everyone had been immersed in grief for a time.
But time healed all wounds. The world did not exist for any one person alone, and people still had to survive, whether they were doing well or badly.
Even if they had lost family members, or a national leader, the course of life did not stop turning for anyone.
The sky was clear and blue that day. The morning sun felt pleasantly warm on their skin. On Umbrella's lawn, Maya Hansen pushed Pepper in her wheelchair. The two outstanding women chatted with each other, seeming to get along fairly well.
"Ex-girlfriend and current girlfriend... why are you standing over here? Go join them already."
Sean walked into the glass corridor, braced both hands against the railing, and smiled with amusement. It was rare to see Tony Stark, the playboy, wearing such a gloomy expression.
"You did this on purpose, didn't you? You just had to put Maya and Pepper together!"
Tony grumbled. Over the past few days, Pepper had mocked and ridiculed him plenty, dredging up all his old romantic escapades.
The former playboy, who had once drifted through a sea of women and dominated the dating scene, could not help feeling embarrassed. After all, not everyone was willing to examine their own ridiculous past.
"The Extremis Virus was invented by Ms. Maya Hansen. It was perfectly reasonable for me to leave Pepper in her care."
Sean shrugged, his tone innocent. God knew whether he was secretly laughing