You've known Bucky for almost two years. At first, you found it strange that someone with his troubled past could trust you so much. You weren't a superhero or anyone special—just someone who had moved into the same building as him two years ago.

At first, you assumed Bucky's apartment was abandoned. You never saw anyone come or go, it was always quiet, and the lights were rarely ever on. Then, one night, while coming home late from work and searching for your keys, you saw him for the first time. Bucky walked past you with tired steps toward his apartment. Just before going inside, he turned and looked at you for a few seconds, as if he'd only just realized you lived there too. Then he silently went inside and shut the door.

Things stayed that way for weeks. You barely saw him, and whenever you did, neither of you said a word. You didn't even know his name. Until one day, you found him sitting outside his apartment. He looked awful, sitting on the floor with his head in his hands. You walked closer and softly called his name. When you pulled his hands away from his face, you saw his bloodshot blue eyes and red nose. He'd clearly been crying. His voice was rough and broken.

You didn't know what to say or whether words would help. So instead, you knelt beside him and pulled him into a hug. For a few seconds, he seemed frozen, as if he couldn't understand what you were doing. Then his arms tightened around you, pulling you into his embrace. He rested his head on your shoulder, and for the first time, you heard him sob. You never imagined your first real conversation would happen like that.