mistake. “Crap, I’m sorry, Bridgette, I didn’t even think what it would mean for you to come here today. I’m, like, so consumed by my own junk.”
“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it,” I reassure her.
“No! Demi’s right—every time I start catching feelings for someone, I turn into a total zombie.”
“Who’s Demi?”
“My friend. Kind of. Actually…I haven’t talked to her in a while.”
“Yeah, that happens,” I say. “Hero life is kind of consuming. It’s hard to maintain friendships when your life is constantly hanging in the balance.”
“See, that’s what I’m struggling with.” She sits down, holding her chin in her hands. “It’s like, I like Joy—a lot—but I’m also afraid of what dating her will entail, you know? Like if she doesn’t text me back, is she blowing me off or is she dead?”
I nod, having had that same existential crisis many times.
“And getting kidnapped?” Claire continues. “No thank you. I’m not ready for that to ever happen again. I mean, you’ve gone through that a couple times, right?”
“I’ve lost count, if I’m being honest.”
“Oh god!” She buries her face in her hands, and I feel guilty. I’m not helping here. But I’m also not sure what she’s wants me to say. Does she want me to talk her out of this life, or is she looking for a seal of approval? I don’t feel good about either. And will my advice even matter? If some older hero ex-girlfriend had warned teenage me against dating Matt, there’s no way I would’ve listened. I was so crazy about him, I was too naive to think—or care—about what his saving the world would mean for me. All I knew was that I loved being with him, and couldn’t imagine anything keeping us apart.
“Listen,” I start, “I can’t tell you what to do. Is dating a superhero hard? Yeah, it’s nuts. Your average couple doesn’t have to think about ransom notes or villains crashing their movie nights. It’s annoying and scary and deeply unnerving, but it’s not without its perks.”
Claire peeks out from between her fingers.
“Being rescued by someone you love is nothing short of incredible. To be safely wrapped in your hero’s arms after fearing for your life—I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t a high.” She nods, a faint smile returning. “And Warrior Nation does do a lot of great things. I mean, they’re not perfect, but they do help people in times of need.”
“Yes, and that’s what I love!” Claire says, aimlessly flipping through her journal. “I know I’ll never have a superpower or be a hero, but I want to help people in my own way. Being here makes me want to be part of something bigger than myself, and being with Joy…she makes me feel like I can accomplish that.”
I smile, knowing she’s already found her answer. “Then hold on to that feeling. Keep reminding yourself of what you want and what’s important to you.”
She looks up at my paper Blue Streak in the mural, stars in her eyes. “These heroes mean more to me than anything else in this world. I do wish Blue Streak were still here, though. Although I’d probably faint every time I saw him.”
“He’s a great guy,” I say. “I wonder how he’s doing. I honestly never thought he’d be one to retire.”
Claire grips the table, brown eyes suddenly flooding with that intense WarNat passion I’ve seen from so many fans. “Wait. WAIT. You know him? Like…YOU KNOW HIM?”
I lean back in my chair, slightly nervous she’s going to pounce on me for information. “Yeah, I’ve even been to his house. Maybe I can introduce you sometime.”
She reaches out for me, clutching my cast. “I think we’re best friends now. Is that okay?”
I laugh. “I’ll be waiting for your friendship bracelet.”
Where Have All the Real Superheroes Gone?
In the weeks since Warrior Nation announced Blue Streak’s retirement, a giant chasm has erupted in the once-great public service organization. Instead of true strength and bravery, the remaining heroes are nothing but showboating celebrities obsessed with fame and product endorsements.
Blue Streak was the last of an era, a hero from a time gone by. Never on social media, never concerned about branding or followers, Blue Streak kept his head down and got his work done, eliminating danger almost before it began. He was an icon, a legend, the ultimate picture of what a hero could do and what a man should be.
Now a new criminal element roams the streets of Chicago, and what has that chapter