Remembering Rocket

The news Socrates and Sparks deliver to the team hits me hard - what dreadful news! A fine man, one whom I considered a friend, is gone. He was there for me when I needed help, and I for him.
 
He's gone.
 
He's Vanished.
 
I didn't get to say goodbye, but hopefully wherever his spirit is, it knows he made a difference and left the world a better place for having him. I don't truly know Sparks, but I know he and Jerry were close. I offer my condolences and a warm hug - it's not much, but it's really all I've got. Afterward, I stand there silent, a little awkward not having more words - I only have tears left. I can't even get angry right now, because like Dr. Banner, "That's my Secret (Captain): I'm always angry". That feeling hasn't abated in the months since Uncle Edward and Aunt Katharine were executed. I shuffle to the base exit, transform back into Victoria and walk into town.
 
I walk without purpose.
 
I walk aimlessly.
 
I pass through a section of town I'd been in recently; I was here with Jerry not that long ago for lunch. The Indian restaurant is closed now, it's owners run out of town by Destroyer agents. I still remember his giant smile as he held up a giant bag of carryout, even after everything that happened. I keep wandering, walking by dozens of restaurants and I wouldn’t hesitate to guess that Rocket ate at every single one of them. I don't know how long I've been out here, but eventually one smell hits me, and it smells delicious . Maybe I've just gotten hungry, but it's just delightful.
I enter an authentic Italian restaurant even though pasta is not exactly on my diet - I can't help myself. I get a table for two and tell the waiter that I'll order anyway - a Branzino and single glass of white wine for myself and a family platter of Pasta Bolognese for the table. I dine quietly, thinking back over the memories of my friend, the things that made us laugh, that made us smile, and where he might be right now. When the waiter comes by after I've finished and asks if I'm still expecting one more, I tell him that “no, I don't think he's coming”.
 
I get a giant carry out bag and smile broadly knowing someone would approve.