The injured man woke up in a hospital bed.
His body was surprisingly fine—no broken bones, no lasting damage. That only made things worse. His mind wouldn't rest.
Who was that guy?
Why did he save me?
As he shifted, something crinkled in his pocket.
A note.
"Meet me at your place when your body admits."
His heartbeat quickened.
One day later.
The hospital staff thought he was resting.
Sam ran.
He disappeared before anyone could stop him.
He went to a junkyard which was silent. Sam stood there, waiting, unsure if the message was real or a trap.
Then footsteps.
A familiar presence.
The man who had saved his life stepped out of the shadows—calm, confident, untouched by fear.
He said with amuse,"Looks like you've been discharged, Sam."
Sam's eyes widened. He raised his gun instantly.
"How do you know my name?"
The man didn't flinch.
"Have you already forgotten that night?" he said calmly.
"Do you really think you stand a chance against me?"
The confidence in his voice crushed Sam's resolve.
Slowly, the gun lowered.
"Who are you?" Sam asked, his voice tight with tension.
The man chuckled.
"You'll never find that out."
Then the man tilted his head.
"How did you know I knew Nora?"
Sam froze.
"Only she called me Sam," he said quietly.
"To everyone else, I'm Steve."
The man nodded.
"Smart," he said. "Just like she always said."
His voice hardened.
"She was close to me."
Silence hung between them.
"What do you want from me?" Sam asked.
"I'm here to finish an unfinished job," the man replied.
"She told me that if I ever needed someone, I could count on you."
"That's why you're here."
Sam exhaled slowly.
"If it was her word… then I'm in."
After a pause, he asked,
"Do you always wear that mask?"
The man answered without hesitation.
"Yes."
He added calmly, "For you..."
"I'm Mask Man."