„And now the latest news from our city. Billionaire and well known philanthropist Bruce Wayne suffered a severe heart attack early this morning. Fifty-five years old Gotham born businessman is currently in the care of Gotham General Hospital. According to his son and deputy CEO Timothy Drake-Wayne his condition is critical."

Shocked, I watched the TV screen placed in the corner of the 7-11 shop´s ceiling. News anchor kept babbling, in the top right corner of the screen a photo of Bruce Wayne popped up. The picture reminded me how long it was since we´ve last met. Once black hair now with patches of gray, new wrinkles in corners of eyes and mouth. Only the look of his bright blue eyes remained the same as ever.

I got out of the shop without having any clue what to do next. My heart was convincing me to hop on the bike and head straight to the hospital. My head was dissuading me from doing so. What would I do there? What would I say, in case he is awake. And what will I do when I meet the rest of the family? Reproaches are awaiting me, at the best. Cops, at the worst.

I wandered the streets for tens of minutes, not even trying to pay attention where I go, or to count the cigarettes. Single thought remained in my head in the end. I need to see him. Not on the TV screen. Not in the Batman´s cowl. As Bruce Wayne. The man I once considered father. A friend.

...

I watched the people gathered in the waiting room.

Dick and Barbara – I knew they got married years ago. Sitting on Dick´s lap was a little boy, approximately 2 years old, with jet black hair, all Boy Wonder. Barbara, apparently pregnant again, was resting her head on Dick´s shoulder.

Tim was crouched in the seat across of them, holding hands with Stephanie. I´ve had no idea they are dating again.

Damian was pacing restlessly up and down the room. He was taller than I remembered, absolutely no little spoiled brat anymore. Shape and shade of his face reminded of Talia´s, but the look in his eyes… true son of Batman indeed.

The door to the patient´s room have opened and Alfred walked out. My heart fell as I saw one of the best friends I´ve ever had. It fell even more, when I noticed expression on his face. Did I come too late?

The family gathered around Alfred. I couldn´t hear what he was saying, but Barbara covered her face with her hands and her shoulders shook. Dick was holding their son with one arm, hugging her comfortingly with the other, his face dug in her hair.

Tim paled, but otherwise I couldn´t read his expression. As always, for that matter. Damian just shook his head – I wasn´t surprised, even I couldn´t believe that Batman could be knocked out by stupid heart attack.

Now I really had to see him, the sooner the best, apparently. But I still had no idea how to get past the whole room of Bats. And past Alfred.

Desperate needs call for desperate acts. And because I couldn´t come up with anything better, I decided for disguise. Nurse´s shirt, trousers, a cap and a mouthshield should do the job.

I grabbed a clipboard too and now I rushed past the family, trying to look both busy and inconspicuous, hoping they won´t notice me. They were so absorbed in their grief, they barely shot me a glance. I´ve made it to Bruce´s room safely and silently closed the door behind me.

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OK, don´t beat me for that cliffhanger :) Part 2 on the way ;) Soon, I promise :)