I expect the injection to hurt but I barely feel the hypo as it pierces my skin. I am ready for what is to come. Mario was so clear and focused. He didn't go crazy like most of those affected by Alice Tetch's blood. He could have lived his whole life with intensity and clarity. He did not need to die.

For so long I believed it was Jim Gordon who was responsible for what happened to my husband, but no more. I know the truth now. It was my fault. I loved Jim and he loved me. Mario died to hurt me so I would turn on Jim. Mario would have been fine if not for me. I could have stopped his death if I had given him up when I realized I wasn't over Jim.

My pupils dilate and the edges of my vision become tinged with red. The grain of the walnut flooring comes into sharp focus. My heart flutters and my skin warms as my adrenaline rushes. I have the strength that has been denied to me my whole life on account of my sex. I am focused. I can see clearly for the first time in my life. Now I know what I must do.

Jim and I can be together. I see it now. We don't have to spend our lives apart and miserable, fighting the darkness of this city until it breaks us. The darkness it everywhere, we can't fight it. We can only succumb to it and allow it to consume us. We can embrace the darkness and know peace. All I have to do now is show Jim the way.

Jim is too deep in his fight to save the city that he can't see it is killing him but luckily I have the cure for his disease. I can bring him peace with just one little shot. I don't even need to find him; he will come to me.

Soon there is a knock on the door. I know from the rap that it is none other than my beloved. I hope he will join me without protest but I know him better than that. I know he will need a little push. I am more than happy to oblige because I know it is for the best.

The coffin I have for him is a cheap one, strong enough to keep a normal person trapped but weak enough for Jim to break out if he takes the gift I leave him. I hope he will choose to join me. I have seen enough dead bodies in my career. I don't want to add him to that list. If he doesn't take it in time I may have to dig him up and give it to him myself, breathing life into him as if he were a man drowned, but I don't want it to come to that.

I am overjoyed when I learn that Jim has taken the virus and doubly so when he agrees to join me and leave Gotham. He has that same beautiful look of strength and clarity that Mario had in the end. His eyes burn darkly with a fiery intensity. He clasps my hand like a lifeline. He is mine at last.

We are almost home free when he turns on me. Believing he is mine for good, I let my guard down and he sticks me with the fateful needle containing the antidote. I feel my strength slipping away. My ears ring and my sight dulls to darkness. I fall into Jim's waiting arms.

Afterward I can't bear to stay in Gotham any longer. I know if my eyes meet his I will lose my resolve and spend the rest of my life in this decaying city. I leave my love in a note that says all the things I wish I could whisper in his ear but can't. Maybe someday Kismet will bring my beloved back to me but for now I must make my own way somewhere else. I hear Metropolis is nice this time of year.