Nothing, nothing was more surprising then when Peter opened his mouth and began to talk to her about Uncle Ben. And judging by her expression as he went on to talk about it, she wasn’t quite expecting to hear this. But she stopped, allowing her face to soften and stood there, her brush in her hand and just listened. What else could she do in a moment like this, and the fact that he pulled out his phone to play the message for her just showed how much he trusted her to tell her such a personal thing. 

Walking over to him, she wrapped her arms gently around his neck after placing her brush on top of the tray of paint. “Peter, listen. You can’t beat yourself up for what happened to your uncle. No one can predict what happens in their lives, if we could we’d never experience anything. Sadness or happiness. You had no idea that guy was going to go after Uncle Ben. I know it’s easier said than my dear Peter but you can’t live in the past. Uncle Ben believed in you. He believed you were a hero, more importantly his hero. And everything he said on that voice mail is true. He’s right, you’re destined for greatness, and you’ve been through a lot and still came out one of the most amazing people on the planet.” Her hand brushed gently against his cheek before dancing up into his messy hair in a gentle fashion. “He’ll never be gone, he’s too stubborn for that. He’ll always be with you, from your highest points of your life to the lows. It’s your job to remember what he says on that recording, ‘we’ll always be here’ and ‘I love you’. Instead of looking at this as something that haunts you, use it to inspire you; do what he wants knows you can do. Become great, follow your destiny and you will achieve more than you ever now.” By this time her other hand was in his hair. “If there is one person who believes in you without ever doubting you, it’s him. Never. Ever. Forget that. No matter where he is, he will always love and support you.” She nodded as she pulled him into a hug. “You can grieve and be sad but remember the good times; because that’s what makes life worth living for, the good times.” 

After hugging him for a minute she stepped back, her small nose sniffling slightly before she leaned down and picked up the brush. She started back to the wall she was working on before turning around. “Hang on…” She said; her voice filled with curiosity as she took the steps back to him. “You’ve got… something… on your face….” With that she took the moment to brush some paint onto his cheek before she gave him a very over-dramatic happy look. “Oh much better.” Anything to get him to laugh.