~ 𝟭 ~

                                    

                                          
 Past (Prologue)
 (Third person)
"Wait, you're all leaving? But I thought... so I'm..."
"Come sit down, let it sink in first."
Ava sat down, her mind swirling with questions.
Why were they all leaving her?
Would she be able to continue doing her job without a team?
What would her commander say?
"I'm sure we can answer all your questions, just breathe for a second."
"Why are you all leaving me? If you leave, I won't have a team anymore... wait, will I still be able to work even without a team?"
"I'm sure the commander will find you another team. And as for us leaving, well... we aren't as young as you anymore. We want to start families of our own, and if we stay, we'll always be afraid of not coming home after a mission. It's just what needs to happen."
...
A week later, Ava's teammates were all packed up and ready to leave her. 
"Just promise me I can come visit you guys."
"Of course, you can. Come here."
Her teammates hugged her like they would never see her again, and deep down, she knew there was a very slight chance of ever seeing them again. 
"Don't miss us too much," they said out of the car window as they left. Then reality started sinking in. Ava was without a team, in a business where working alone got you killed. Her commander had assured her he would find a solution. She just hoped her demons would leave her alone long enough to get used to the change.
Time skip 1 month
Present
(First person, Ava's perspective)
I had just settled down from my nightmares when my phone buzzed on the nightstand. When I picked it up, my commander's caller ID popped up on the screen.
"Good morning, Agent Noyes."
"Good morning, Commander," I said with a yawn, trying to shake the grogginess out of my head.
"Sorry to call you so early, but I need you to come to the office. I have some things to discuss with you."
"Might I ask what this is about, Sir?"
"Well, let's just say, you would be happy to know I have a solution."
"Thank you, Sir. I'll be there in thirty minutes."
I hung up the call and jumped out of bed. I took a quick shower, got dressed and headed out the door. Luckily the office was only ten minutes away. With hair still a little damp, I walked through the doors. I tied my hair on the way up to my commander's office. When I got to his door, I heard voices coming through the glass. I knocked and waited for permission to enter.
"Come in, Agent Noyes," my commander said. I slowly turned the knob and peeked inside. Alongside my commander were two other men. One looked slightly older and had many medals adorning his jacket. The other looked about my age. He had on a vest and all-black clothing, like he had just come from a mission. As I entered, I could feel him observing my movements. It's a nervous habit for most agents. I would've known, I did it too. I took my place next to my commander, my hands folded behind my back.