New York — Brooklyn Bridge — Evening
Spider-Man dove into the void.
The wind whistled in his ears as his eyes remained locked on Gwen.
She was falling.
Faster and faster.
Unconscious.
Her body plummeted toward the dark waters of the East River.
No.
Not her.
Not Gwen.
Peter gritted his teeth and accelerated.
A web shot from his web-shooter.
Then another.
Then a third.
Every second felt like an eternity.
The surface of the water was getting dangerously close.
Just a few more feet.
Just a little more.
Then finally...
He caught her.
His arms wrapped around her at the very last moment.
A gigantic web instantly spread beneath them and absorbed part of their fall.
They bounced before crashing heavily onto a platform beneath the bridge.
— Gwen!
His voice trembled.
— Gwen, can you hear me?!
No response.
He placed a hand against her cheek.
— Gwen!
Still nothing.
Fear twisted his stomach.
— GWEN!!
Her body remained limp.
Like a rag doll.
Spider-Man felt his heart sink.
Without wasting a second, he lifted her into his arms and rushed toward solid ground.
Moments later, George Stacy came running.
The instant he saw his daughter, his face fell apart.
— Gwen!
His voice broke.
— Gwen, sweetheart!
He rushed to her side and immediately took her into his arms.
The police captain was gone.
All that remained was a terrified father.
His hands were shaking.
Around them, sirens were already drawing closer.
An ambulance screeched to a stop nearby.
The paramedics jumped out and ran toward them.
— Please step back!
They quickly examined Gwen before placing her on a stretcher.
George immediately got back to his feet.
— Wait!
His voice trembled.
— I'm her father. I'm going with her.
— Alright. Come with us.
A few seconds later, the ambulance doors slammed shut.
The siren wailed through the night.
Then the vehicle sped away.
Spider-Man remained motionless.
His eyes never left the ambulance.
— Gwen...
He clenched his fists.
— Please... stay alive.
After a few seconds, he looked back up toward the top of the bridge.
Then he launched himself forward once more.
When he reached the metal platform, the fight was over.
The Lizard no longer existed.
In his place lay Curtis Connors.
Unconscious.
Human.
Spider-Man stared at him for a long moment.
Part of him felt compassion.
Another part...
Felt anger.
Immense anger.
Because of him, Gwen was now fighting for her life.
Without saying a word, he hoisted the professor over his shoulder.
Then left the bridge.
New York — Professor Connors' Laboratory — Later
When Spider-Man entered the laboratory, Martha Connors immediately turned around.
The moment she saw her husband, her eyes widened.
— Curtis!
She rushed toward him.
— Oh my God... you're alright!
She threw her arms around him and held him tightly.
Tears instantly filled her eyes.
— Thank you, Spider-Man.
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
But her relief was short-lived.
Her eyes scanned the room.
— Peter?!
Then she froze.
— Gwen?!
The worry immediately returned.
— Have you seen them?! How are they?!
Spider-Man remained silent for a few seconds.
Searching for the right words.
— Peter is fine.
He gently placed Curtis on a chair.
— He explained everything to me and entrusted me with the vial that helped save your husband.
He paused.
Then continued.
— As for Gwen...
His voice grew heavier.
— She's in the hospital.
Martha's face instantly turned pale.
— During his transformation, your husband attacked her.
She covered her mouth with one hand.
— Is... is it serious?
Spider-Man looked away slightly.
— I don't know.
The truth hurt more than any lie.
— I hope not.
Martha's legs seemed ready to give out beneath her.
She clung to her husband.
Silent tears rolled down her cheeks.
— Oh, Curtis...
Her voice broke.
— What have you done...
A heavy silence settled over the laboratory.
Then Spider-Man spoke again.
— Ma'am...
His tone was serious.
— I'd like to understand.
She slowly looked up.
— How did your husband become a creature like that? What happened?
Martha closed her eyes.
For several seconds, she seemed to struggle with herself.
Then she realized there was no longer any point in hiding the truth.
She took a deep breath.
— Curtis lost his arm several years ago.
Her voice trembled.
— He claimed he was fine... but he wasn't.
She wiped away a tear.
— That injury destroyed him more than anyone could imagine.
She looked down at her husband.
— I heard him cry some nights. He thought I was asleep.
Her voice cracked even more.
— But I knew.
She took another deep breath.
— About a year ago, he started studying reptiles. Lizards in particular.
Spider-Man listened carefully.
— Their regenerative abilities fascinated him. He believed that by transferring their DNA into a human being... regeneration could become possible.
Her gaze drifted into the distance.
— Officially, it was for science. To help humanity.
She slowly shook her head.
— But deep down... it was mostly for himself.
Spider-Man remained silent.
— He had already transformed once before.
That revelation caught him off guard.
— Thanks to the DNA Purifier, we managed to reverse the effects.
She lowered her eyes.
— After that, I asked him to stop. I begged him.
Her hands trembled.
— At first, he lied to me. Then I discovered he was continuing in secret.
Tears began flowing again.
— I told him I would leave if he didn't stop.
She looked at Curtis.
— I thought he understood.
Her voice completely broke.
— But today... seeing him like that again...
She closed her eyes.
— I realized I was wrong.
A heavy silence filled the laboratory.
Spider-Man felt his anger returning.
But seeing Martha's distress, he pushed it aside.
— I can only imagine how difficult all of this was for him.
His voice was calm.
But firm.
— Truly.
He looked at Curtis.
— But putting innocent people in danger to satisfy a personal desire...
He paused.
— That's a line a scientist should never cross.
Martha looked up slightly.
Surprised.
— You... you're a scientist?
Beneath his mask, Peter allowed himself a faint smile.
— Not yet. But maybe one day.
Martha wiped away her tears.
Spider-Man continued:
— Listen...
She looked at him attentively.
— I'll keep quiet.
She seemed surprised.
— Not just out of kindness. But also because some truths cause more harm than good.
He pointed toward Curtis.
— But you need to understand one thing: your husband must stop his research permanently.
His voice left no room for doubt.
— Otherwise, I won't have any choice but to inform the police.
Martha nodded immediately.
— You're right.
She looked at her husband.
— Trust me, I'll make him understand once and for all that he has to stop his research.
Spider-Man headed for the exit.
But just as he was about to leave, Martha called out to him one last time.
— ...Thank you.
He turned around.
Martha's eyes were still wet with tears.
— Thank you for saving my husband.
Her voice trembled.
— Thank you for saving Gwen.
She lowered her eyes.
— I truly hope she pulls through. I really do.
Peter remained silent.
He couldn't find anything to say.
So he simply nodded.
Then he launched himself into the night.
From rooftop to rooftop.
Across Manhattan.
But despite the speed.
Despite the wind.
Despite the city's lights.
Only one thought occupied his mind now.
Gwen.
New York — New York Hospital — Emergency Department — A Few Minutes Later
Peter arrived at the hospital almost running.
His heart was still heavy after the events on the bridge as he crossed the main lobby without wasting a second and headed straight for the reception desk.
— Good evening! I'm looking for a girl named Gwen Stacy. She was brought here a few hours ago.
The receptionist looked up at him.
— Are you family? A brother? A cousin?
Peter hesitated.
— Uh... no. I'm a close friend.
The woman gave him an apologetic smile.
— I'm sorry, but only family members are allowed to see patients. Unless you have authorization from a relative...
— In that case, I give him my authorization.
Peter immediately turned around.
George Stacy was walking toward them.
Straight-backed.
Calm.
But his eyes revealed immense exhaustion.
— I'm Gwen's father. And this boy can come in.
— I'll need to verify your name, sir...?
— George Stacy.
The receptionist quickly checked the information before nodding.
— Very well, Mr. Stacy.
She turned to Peter.
— You may go see your friend.
— Thank you very much.
George motioned for him to follow.
— Come on, Peter. I'll take you to her.
They walked through several silent hallways lit by dim lights before reaching the ward where Gwen was being treated.
New York — New York Hospital — Gwen Stacy's Room — Night
The captain gently pushed open a door.
Then they stepped inside.
Peter immediately felt his stomach tighten.
Gwen was there.
Lying in her bed.
Peaceful.
Motionless.
Yet the bandages visible beneath the sheets were a reminder of the violence she had endured.
— Gwen...
His voice was barely a whisper.
George placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
— Don't worry.
His tone was that of a father trying to convince himself as much as anyone else.
— The doctors are optimistic.
He looked at his daughter.
— Her injury will keep her immobilized for a while, but she should recover without any serious long-term effects.
Part of the tension that had been suffocating Peter for hours finally eased.
— They had to stitch her up, but everything is under control. It was more frightening than serious.
Peter lowered his eyes.
An overwhelming sense of guilt gripped his chest.
— I'm sorry, sir.
His voice trembled.
— It's my fault. I got there too late.
He clenched his fists.
— And because of me, Gwen got hurt.
His throat tightened.
— I... I'm really—
— Peter.
This time, George immediately interrupted him.
The young man looked up.
— You saved my daughter's life.
The captain's voice was calm.
But every word carried weight.
— Without you, she might not be here today.
Peter remained silent.
— Things could have been much worse.
George glanced toward Gwen.
— She's alive.
Then he looked Peter straight in the eyes.
— You stopped the Lizard. You protected everyone else. You did everything you could.
His expression softened.
— So stop carrying all of this on your shoulders.
Peter felt something loosen inside his chest.
A genuine smile crossed his face.
— And besides... after all this time, you could call me George instead of "sir."
The captain gave a slight smile.
— You make me feel like I'm sixty years old when you talk to me like that.
A small laugh escaped Peter.
— Alright. I'll keep that in mind.
George nodded.
— Good.
He glanced toward the door.
— I'm going to grab something from the vending machine.
— Do you want anything to eat or drink?
Peter shook his head.
— No thanks.
— Very well.
George gave him one last look.
— I'll be back in a few minutes.
Then he left the room.
Silence immediately returned.
Peter slowly pulled up a chair.
Then sat beside the bed.
For a few seconds, he simply looked at Gwen.
She seemed so peaceful.
So fragile.
As if none of this should have ever happened to her.
Gently, he took her hand in his.
Then lowered his eyes.
— Gwen...
His voice was barely audible.
— About what you told me...
He took a deep breath.
— Your doubts about me. About Spider-Man.
A sad smile crossed his face.
— It complicated everything between us.
He gently squeezed her hand.
— I could tell you were angry with me.
His eyes lowered.
— And I'm sorry.
A silence.
Then he continued.
— The day Uncle Ben died...
His throat tightened immediately.
— You were there for me.
His gaze drifted into the distance.
— But I lied to you.
He closed his eyes.
— I told you a burglar killed him during a robbery. But... that's not exactly what happened.
The memories came back with unbearable force.
The ring.
The money.
The anger.
The pride.
— The day the spider bit me...
He looked at Gwen.
— I got powers.
His voice trembled slightly.
— And instead of doing something good with them...
A bitter laugh escaped him.
— I took advantage of them. I fought in underground matches to make money.
He clenched his jaw.
— Then someone scammed me.
His gaze hardened.
— A few minutes later, that man got robbed.
Peter felt his hand unconsciously tighten around Gwen's.
— And because of my pride... I let him go.
His voice broke.
Silence filled the room.
— That same night... my uncle died.
He lowered his head.
His eyes began to redden.
— When I found that guy...
His breathing grew heavier.
— I killed him.
The word lingered in the air.
— I threw him off the top of a building.
For several seconds, only the steady beeping of the medical machines could be heard.
— At first... I felt relieved.
His voice became almost a whisper.
He closed his eyes.
— Then I realized. I had done exactly what I shouldn't have done. I should have turned him over to the police.
His voice trembled even more.
Ben's words echoed through his mind.
As if they had never left.
— He always used to say...
Peter managed a faint smile.
— "Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should."
A tear threatened to escape.
— "With great power comes great responsibility."
He looked at Gwen.
This time, his eyes were no longer filled with sadness.
But with determination.
— Back then, I used to make fun of that phrase. But now I understand it.
His voice grew firmer.
— So I decided to become better. To use my powers to help others. Not myself.
His eyes shone slightly.
— I built my web-shooters. I kept my old suit. And Spider-Man was born.
He looked down at their intertwined hands.
— If I wear a mask...
His voice softened.
— It's to protect the people I love.
He paused.
— Aunt May. Harry.
Then his eyes returned to her.
— And you.
Silence settled in.
Long.
Peaceful.
Then Peter finally whispered:
— I love you, Gwen.
His voice trembled.
— I love you, and I don't want you to be in danger.
His eyes were red now.
— When the Lizard took you...
He lowered his head.
— When I saw you falling...
His throat tightened.
— I thought I was going to lose you.
Then suddenly...
Something moved.
Peter froze.
His eyes widened.
Gwen's hand had gently tightened around his.
Her eyes slowly opened.
— Peter...
The young man's heart skipped a beat.
— Gwen?!
He immediately sat up.
— You're awake?!
— Yeah...
Her voice was weak but warm.
— For a little while now.
Peter blinked several times.
Then a sudden realization hit him.
His face paled slightly.
— Wait...
His throat tightened.
— Does that mean...
He hesitated.
— You heard everything?
Gwen held his gaze.
— Yes.
Her answer was immediate.
— I heard everything.
For a few seconds, Peter remained silent.
He didn't even know what he was feeling anymore.
Panic.
Relief.
Fear.
Hope.
Everything mixed together.
— But...
He shook his head slightly.
— Why didn't you say anything when we came in?
Gwen briefly looked away.
— I didn't want to talk right away.
She took a slow breath.
— I needed time to think.
Her eyes returned to him.
— Between what happened with Professor Connors...
Her voice softened.
— And with you...
A faint smile appeared on her face.
— I needed time to process all of this.
Peter lowered his eyes.
— Gwen...
He took a breath.
— About that, listen, I—
— No.
She immediately interrupted him.
Peter looked up.
— Listen to me, please.
Her voice was gentle.
But firm.
— After everything you just told me...
Her eyes shimmered slightly.
— I realize I've been a disappointing friend.
Peter opened his mouth.
But she continued.
— You were carrying all of that by yourself.
Her voice trembled slightly.
— Your uncle's death. That guilt. All those responsibilities.
Her eyes became watery.
— And I...
She squeezed his hand a little tighter.
— Instead of helping you...
She lowered her eyes.
— I turned my back on you.
A silence.
— I'm sorry, Peter.
— No.
The answer was immediate.
Peter vigorously shook his head.
— No, Gwen.
He leaned slightly closer to her.
— Don't apologize.
His voice was sincere.
— You didn't know.
A faint smile crossed his face.
— Besides... all you wanted was to understand.
Gwen studied his face.
Then a peaceful silence settled between them.
For the first time in weeks...
There were no more lies.
No more doubts.
No more secrets.
The danger had passed.
And they finally seemed able to breathe.
Gwen eventually spoke again.
— But...
A small smile appeared on her lips.
— That's not all.
Peter frowned slightly.
— There's something else I want to tell you.
She motioned for him to come closer.
— Come here.
— Uh...
Peter rose slightly from his chair.
— Okay.
He moved his chair closer.
— Closer.
Her voice was barely a whisper.
Peter obeyed.
— More.
Their faces were now only inches apart.
Peter felt his heart begin to race.
— I'm listening, Gwen.
His voice had become almost inaudible.
— Tell me.
He leaned in a little more.
And suddenly...
Gwen kissed him.
Time seemed to stop.
The kiss was simple.
Gentle.
Sincere.
As though all the emotions they had held back for years had finally found their way out.
When their lips parted, Gwen gave him a smile full of emotion.
— I love you too, Peter.
One second passed...
Then two...
Then three...
Peter's brain completely stopped working.
— Huh...
His blank stare made Gwen laugh softly.
Then understanding finally arrived.
And with it...
A huge smile.
They simply sat there looking at each other.
Relieved.
Happy.
At last.
— No more secrets? Gwen asked softly.
Peter nodded.
— No more secrets.
Then they kissed again.
Before the door suddenly burst open.
— Oops.
The two teenagers immediately jumped apart.
George Stacy had just entered the room.
He almost looked away.
— Sorry.
An amused smile appeared on his face.
— I didn't mean to interrupt. But I'm glad to see you're awake, Gwen.
Peter and Gwen immediately separated.
Red as tomatoes.
— D-Dad!
Gwen tried to recover a shred of dignity.
— A-And you? Are you okay?
— Very well.
George smiled.
— Thankfully, it was more frightening than serious.
— Yeah...
Gwen carefully avoided making eye contact with Peter.
Which only made her father smile even more.
— So...
George crossed his arms.
— If I understand correctly...
His smile became almost devilish.
— You two are dating? Since when?
Gwen nearly choked.
— WHAT?! Of course not! I mean... yes—
She pointed at Peter.
— It's complicated!
Peter looked at Gwen.
Then at George.
Then back at Gwen.
And finally, he gently squeezed the young woman's hand.
— Yes.
His tone was calm.
Confident.
— We're dating.
Gwen immediately turned scarlet.
George burst out laughing.
— Well then!
He raised his hands.
— You have my blessing!
Then he added:
— So, when are the kids coming?
— DAD!!!
Gwen's scream echoed throughout the room.
Even Peter burst out laughing.
A few seconds later, calm gradually returned.
George's smile faded slightly.
— By the way, Peter.
His tone had become more serious.
— Can I talk to you outside for a minute?
Peter exchanged a glance with Gwen.
Then shook his head.
— No need anymore.
George frowned slightly.
— What do you mean?
— Gwen knows I'm Spider-Man.
Silence fell over the room.
George blinked several times.
— What?!
He looked at Gwen.
Then Peter.
Then Gwen again.
— You told her?!
Peter nervously scratched the back of his head.
— Uh... not exactly.
Gwen wore an almost proud smile.
— He confessed it to me.
Then she crossed her arms.
— But honestly? I already knew.
Peter let out a resigned sigh.
— Sorry. I figured you wanted to protect her by keeping her out of all this...
George remained silent for a few seconds.
Then he finally shrugged.
— Yeah... that's what I wanted. But maybe it's better this way.
His gaze settled on his daughter.
— Now that she knows, she'll be aware of the dangers, and we'll be here to protect her.
He sighed.
— I'm not mad at you, Peter. Besides... Gwen takes after her mother: she's genuinely curious about everything.
He gently ruffled his daughter's hair, a nostalgic smile on his face.
— Very curious.
Peter finally spoke again.
— So...
His expression became serious once more.
— What did you want to talk to me about?
The captain's smile disappeared completely.
— The Big Boss.
The atmosphere immediately changed.
Peter felt his muscles tense.
His fingers clenched.
— Tombstone...
Just saying that name brought all the accumulated anger rushing back.
His gaze hardened.
And he clenched his teeth slightly.
— It's been a long time.
TO BE CONTINUED.