Through the Door

They told him where she was. She was still alive. He didn't gave a second glance when her file was against his arm. This wasn't real. This was all a dream.

When he went to sleep, he'd awake in his time. He can live out the rest of his life, and there would be Peggy.

She got married and had children. She became a great-grandmother last month. She had accomplished so many things while he was asleep...

So many things that he didn't get to see.

The world moved on without him. She moved on without him. He was actually at the door of her home more than once, though he couldn't bring himself to see her. If she saw him, he knew what they felt for each other was long gone. No matter how many times he wished for it to happen... it wasn't possible. Even though she moved on without him, he still loved her.

She was in his dreams. Beautiful as ever... Her auburn hair glistening against the horizon. Her eyes gleamed fiercely, though her warm smile gentled her face. He'd wake up, tears in his eyes.

They told him she was getting frail. She wasn't going to be here forever, and Steve knew it. He was proud of the work she did, even though he didn't get to see it...

He breathed. A bouquet of flowers were in his hands. He knew if he didn't see her before her time... he'd regret it forever. It took every ounce of strength as he raised his arm for the door.

"Come in...!"

His insides pivot. He held his breath, feeling his eyes grow moist. Swallowing, he breathed again, and finally walked through the door.