Wanda's hair was matted, her usually beautiful green eyes were sunken. Her cheeks were streaked with tears, and she looked frail. Like any small breeze would just knock her over. Amalia wrapped her arms around her, and felt Wanda bury her face in her chest.

"It's alright, drahoušek*."

"No it's not," Wanda mumbled against her.

"You're right, it's not. But it will be."

"That's what everyone keeps saying."

"Because it's true. It got better with Máma* and Táta*, didn't it?"

"After a really long time. Still not completely over it."

"That's ok, Wanda."

"It's been nine years! How long is it going to take to feel better about Pie-" Her one sobs cut her off.

Amalia gently made her sit down on the bed. She herself laid down, and Wanda rested herself on top of her. Amalia managed a small smile, thinking of how her children did the same thing.

"I know that this is hard, trust me, I do. It's difficult to ME, and I didn't have anywhere near the same bond with him that you have. You're going through hell, Wanda, but I'll be right here. You know Pietro would want what's best for you, and I'm here to help you with that. The first step tends to be to eat something."

"I'm not hungry."

"Are you really not hungry, or are you just saying that?"

Wanda was silent for a minute. "I'm really not."

'Mmhmm,' Amalia thought sarcastically. "Alright," She said aloud. "But you haven't eaten in two weeks. You can't starve yourself. Pietro wouldn't like that, we both know it."

"How'd you know it's been two weeks?"

"I have my ways. Now, how about you be a little crazy and eat a whole half of a sandwich?"

"No."

"You have to eat SOMETHING."

"No, I don't."

Amalia groaned, but if there was anything being a mother had taught her, it was that sometimes people needed to do things their own way for however long it's safe. Or give them two choices for what they can do. She didn't know how well that last one would work on a nineteen year old, though.

"How about this? You don't have to eat anything today. But, I want you to take a shower instead." She wanted to add, 'And brush your hair,' but she was willing to acknowledge that would probably be too much for her grieving sister.

Wanda seemed to consider it.

"So, eat or shower?"

"Shower," Wanda said grudgingly.

"I'll set it up for you. Would you rather take a bath?"

Wanda nodded.

"Alright, a bath it is then." Amalia filled the tub, and ushered Wanda in, grabbing Wanda a clean dress and underclothes. She could see her sister hadn't even changed clothes since the battle. She gently set the dress on the sink's countertop. "There you go, Wanda. You're good to go. Call for me if you need me." She left the bathroom, leaving the door cracked as a precaution.

After about a half hour, Amalia gently knocked on the door. "Wanda? Jsi v pořádku*?"

Wanda didn't answer.

Amalia repeated herself, and still getting no answer, she said, "I'm coming in, ok?"

Still no answer. Amalia opened the door. Wanda was wrapped in a towel and was sitting on the floor. Her knees were pressed against her chest and her head was buried in her knees. Her arms were wrapped tightly around her legs, and she was rocking back and forth.

Amalia knelt next to her, wrapping her in a hug. She kissed the top of her little sister's head. "Shhh. Bolí to, vím*. You'll be ok." She reaches up and pulled down the clothes, helping her sister into them. "Pojď, vstaň*."

She helped Wanda to her feet and they walked back over to the bed, where Wanda sat down.

"Do you want another challenge? Brush your teeth." She handed Wanda a toothbrush that already had toothpaste on it, and two cups, an empty one, and one filled halfway with water. "Spit in the empty one when you're done."

Wanda nodded and slowly brushed her teeth. When she was done, she set the stuff on the bedside table. Amalia put away the toothbrush and toothpaste and threw out the cups. "Now, how about you exercise a little?"

"No. Zbláznil ses*?"

"No, I'm not, thank you very much. Now, listen here, Miss Priss. You're so skinny that I can easily count your ribs. You have to at least eat something tomorrow."

"Fine," Wanda muttered.

"Good. Now, what have you achieved today? You started talking again, you took a shower, changed clothes, and brushed your teeth! That's amazing, Wanda! You accomplished a lot in very little time! Yaaaay you!!!"

Wanda giggled a little. Then she suddenly looked sad.

"You're allowed to be happy, Wanda. He would want you to be happy."

Tears trickled down her face. "Then why do I feel so guilty? He shouldn't be gone, I shouldn't be having to do this! If it wasn't for stupid Ultron he would still be here! I wish I had done more than just rip his heart out." She sounded furious and cold. Her eyes glowed red. Tendrils of red energy tore a decorative pillow to shreds and broke a vase before dissipating. "I'm sick of this emotional roller coaster ride! I want to get the h*** off!"

"I know you do. But the only way to do that is to push through your grief. And that takes time. It won't magically go away. But you're strong, you can take it!"

"I guess I'll try." She looked so... defeated.

"You better. Now, you look tired, so how about you take a well deserved nap?"

Wanda nodded, and was asleep a few minutes later.

Amalia sighed. This might end up being a lot harder than she thought that it would be.

///////////////////////////////////////////////

*drahoušek- sweetheart 

*Máma- Mommy 

*Táta- Daddy

*Jsi v pořádku- Are you alright/ok?

*Bolí to, vím- It hurts, I know

*Pojď, vstaň- Come on, get up

*Zbláznil ses- Are you crazy/insane?