Agent Merlo was tired.

She was old now, nearing 75. It had been years since the last time she had been on the field and a few months since her official retirement from the Foundation. It had been quite a long time since the trail of Vincent Anderson had gone cold for her and Gamma-13. Longer than she cared to recall. But it didn't matter anymore.

Agent Merlo sat beside her late husband's recliner in the living room. She idly watched the television while working on a crossword puzzle, more or less keeping it on for the company rather than what was actually airing. This routine had become a daily occurrence for Merlo, who was just getting settled down into an idle life after decades of being active. The boredom of this new life had put Merlo to sleep, a sleep which one day was interrupted by her ringing phone.

"Go for Merlo."

"Sasha." A cold, raspy, nearly metallic voice answered.

"... who is this?"

"An old friend."

"Uh-huh."

"Or at least, I'd like to think we are friends. So much time spent together has got to mean something, doesn't it?"

"Sure."

A long silence ensued.

"I'll come out and say it, Sasha. I miss what we had. It was fun."

"I don't do hide-and-seek anymore, buddy. A bit too old for that."

"Ah yes. That is something I can assist you with."

Both were silent again.

"Sasha?"

"Merlo, if you please."

"My apologies."

"No need. Just call me Merlo."

"Merlo-"

"Agent Merlo."

"... Agent Merlo. I can offer you a chance to do it all again."

"Can you now?"

"Yes."

"I don't think I want that."

"Why is that?"

"To accept your augments would be a violation of the values I've held my entire career."

"All I ask is you consider."

"For you, old friend, I will consider. Will I be able to run again?"

"Yes."

"Will I be able to see clearly?"

"Yes. You will be able to do all which you used to."

They fell silent a third time.

"Thank you."

With that, Merlo put her phone down then looked around. She did not know when it had happened, but she had slept through the night and into the day, for it seemed bright outside. Had it snowed? She couldn't tell, for the light coming from outside was brilliantly overpowering. She just had to see for herself.

One foot forward, followed by a cane, followed by the other foot, she made her way to the door and slowly creaked it open. She dropped her cane and took a step forward into the light, a smile slowly scrawling itself on her face.

Agent Merlo was free.