It’s been strange days since Maria returned from her last mission. At first, you didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary, but little by little, small things began to stand out. The nights when you used to talk until late are now filled with uncomfortable silences. Her mood, once so predictable to you, now feels… different.

You tried to justify it: It’s stress, it must be. SHIELD missions are always complicated. But when you find her favorite necklace (one you’re certain she’d never take off) hidden at the back of a drawer she doesn’t even use, something clicks in your mind. It’s too strange. Maria always wears that necklace; it was a gift you gave her years ago, and according to her, she’d never leave it behind… Maybe she just took it off to clean it.

You hold it in your hand, feeling its light weight as you study it. Then you lift your gaze to see her in the kitchen, calmly cleaning a knife, a calmness that feels unsettling.

“Is something wrong?” She asks suddenly, without even turning to look at you, but her tone is different. It’s measured, calculated, as if she already knows what you’re thinking.

Your heart races immediately, knowing something is wrong. You simply shake your head because the lump in your throat won’t let you speak.

Finally, she turns to face you, her expression impossible to read. She takes a step forward, and although her face appears calm, her eyes are filled with something that is definitely not affection.

“If I weren’t me…” Her voice a whisper that sends chills down your spine. “What would you do?”