I do not own any of the characters so don't sue me. I'm just barrowing them for awhile. Batman and Co. belong to DC comics.

How many lives have been lost? How many families destroyed? I say I'm helping people and that I make a difference; but am I? I capture criminals only to see them out on the streets again only a few months later.

I've sacrificed my life, my family, my happiness, my soul for this city and it only ever seems to get worse. There are new crimes ever few seconds and at times it seems that the police contacted me when they could do the work themselves. How many times have they done that? How many times have I not been there for my family and friends because they have called me over a murder that a rookie should be able to handle?

I want to walk among the others who live here. I want to feel the sun on my face and know that everything is fine. I want to be able to express my love to my family and friends. I want to be happy. I can't do any of those things. The path I have chosen doesn't allow that. But I can dream about those things. I will not stop dreaming of those things until they are the reality I find myself in. I have to believe that one day that will happen or I will not be able to continue.

How can my family stand by me when I'm like this? I doubt them as much as I doubt myself. My middle son died because of that doubt. I pray that no more family or friends die because of it. People say that I don't believe in God. I believe in him as much as I can when all around me is suffering, hatred, insanity, and so much more. I find it hard to believe that any father would allow this to happen to his children; but at the same time I find that I can understand the logic behind it. If you always take care of everything for your child then they will become lazy and expect you to always take care of them completely. But; perhaps we have been left to our own devices too long and should be reminded that we each have work to complete and that it must be done. I hope that after I've completed my work that I can find my peace.

Author's note: Please be kind in your reviews. I haven't written much and this is one of my first stories ever. Thank you.