Disclaimer: I own nothing. Nothing at all. Other than my possessions in my house. I don't own Batman, or Gotham city, or any of the things that I don't own. There. Done.

Authors note: I think it's quite a sweet little story. Please tell em what you think, because getting a good review makes my day like nothing else does. =D

One Friday Night

The Batman. What a name, eh? At first, I reckoned he was a bit of a nutcase underneath that mask. It was the only reasonable explanation for it at the time. How stupid it sounded, that first night on the news. 'Man Dressed As Bat Scares Living Daylights Out Of Criminals.' Well, at least he was on our side.

My friends were just as skeptical. What could he offer Gotham other than more madness and corruption? We were a failed society. There was little that could be done for us now.

I have Batman to thank for where I am nowadays. I was bleeding and half dead when he found me. The gang had not cared what became of their victim. It was stupid, how something as trivial as a wallet could potentially ruin a life. My wallet was not enough for the men who tortured me that night. They tried to take my life as well as my money.

Obviously, I was confused when I awoke in the pristine white hospital. The nurses explained it all very well.

My friends still laugh at the Batman. I don't.

I know the day will come when they understand. Perhaps one day, he'll save their lives too.

At first I didn't understand why he did it. It wasn't as though I particularly deserved saving. I was an ordinary citizen who'd never done anything out of step in their life. I worked as a waitress at one of the restaurants bought and run by Bruce Wayne. Nothing special.

Yet Batman saw fit to help me, for no reason at all other than I needed help. And that changed my whole perspective on life.

I quit my job at the restaurant. I trained and became a fire-fighter. Now I too can do my bit for Gotham. I donate monthly to various charities, and I work weekends at a children's care home. I've figured that if everyone were a little bit more like Batman -selfless, good, and willing to do it for nothing in return - Gotham would be a slightly happier place.

I was wrong when I said there was no hope for our city. There is hope; it lies in each and every one of us. All it takes is a little push.