Dick closed his eyes. He rested his head onto his arms. The memory stick Kaldur gave him told him to evacuate the cave, in case it was necessary to destroy it. It said that he had a few minutes to prepare. He lifted his head up and looked around his room. He tried to tell himself that it's only a room. A room littered with photos. Artemis and Wally's new apartment. Conner's first birthday. Barbara with her new license. He smiled at Tim's photo. Tim, with gloves, an apron, goggles and a hairnet, looking solemn, cooking with Alfred. Dick closed his eyes again and tilted his head backwards. He took a deep breath. He stayed like that for several seconds until his eyes snapped open.
Several things happened in that instant. In that instant, Dick was certain of two things. One, the bomb had gone off. Two, this was the end. Another thing happened in that instant. It was as if his mind granted his one last wish. All the people he loved had come back for one last gift. But Dick's vision was already going. He heard Artemis' familiar throaty laugh ring through his ears. He felt the wind graze his face like he was riding on Wally's back. He smelt Alfred's cooking wafting through the air. He felt himself ruffling Tim's hair one last time. He watched Barbara tuck a lock of hair behind her ear, and finally, he saw Bruce. Bruce, sleeping in the batcave. Only this time, Dick put the blanket on him.
.
After Wally stormed out, Dick took a shaky breath.
"It's just a place."
.
"It was just a place."