Epilogue
Smoke clung to the air, the smell was strangely reassuring.
"Bruce"
That was a strange word, what could it mean?
"Bruce?"
It was a question this time, maybe it was a way of asking if he was happy or not, if so he was definitely Bruce, or at least he was sure he was.
"Bruce!"
The shout stirred seven year old Bruce Wayne from his daydreams and strange thoughts. His vision cleared and before him he could see a lady kneeling, a look of deep worry on her face.
"Mommy?" Bruce recognized and threw his arms around her
"I was so scared, you just stopped" she whispered, stroking his hair "You stopped talking and started staring at nothing... you were so pale..."
Mom pulled back and cupped Bruce's face in her hands.
"It might be from the punch" she continued "Dr. Elliot will be around soon to check up on you"
Bruce nodded, he was starting to understand things a little better. About a month ago, Bruce's fake father, Thomas, lashed out when Bruce spilled his drink. Thomas broke his nose. That was the day Bruce's mom had enough, she grabbed him and ran out of the house. They made it all the way to the city, to Bruce's real father, Patrick, but things were still a little fuzzy.
"How about we watch some television together, old chum?" A new voice drew Bruce's attention to the sofa in the lounge, his dad, Pat gave him a reassuring smile.
"Anything good on?"
Bruce's mom smiled a little easier as he ran over to Pat and climbed up beside him.
"Well, crime fighter" Bruce's father began, theatrically "It's seven thirty and you know what that means..."
"It's the Ghost Time!" Bruce completed happily
"Yes, the Ghost Time and all of the known super criminals are still at large"
"Tune into the Ghost Channel!"
The Grey Ghost was Bruce's favorite TV show. It was all about a hero who wore a mask and used martial arts to protect the city of Denver, Colorado, while also secretly being millionaire William Finger, who helped Denver with his kindness and his compassion. He raised his two adopted sons, Bob and Jerry in the way of the Ghost, accepting them as crimefighting proteges.
The Grey Ghost was such an amazing character and Bruce adored him, not only was he a Defender of Justice but he was also a really good dad too. He protected his kids, he never once yelled or screamed, he reminded Bruce of Pat. Family time wasn't just relegated to whatever movie he wanted to see, he helped his kids with their homework, and even played musical instruments with them, just for fun.
Pat wrapped his arm around Bruce, and Bruce sank comfortably into his hug. The Grey Ghost didn't have a scary or traumatic origin, he was just a guy who wanted to protect his city. Bruce wanted to be like him when he grew up. He'd have a big black cape and wear a grey and blue super suit. He'd protect Gotham.
A chill ran through Bruce's bones. Pat threw another log on the fire, it crackled softly.
Mom joined them on the sofa, Bruce snuggled up between the both of them and watched as his super heroes triumphed over the forces of evil.
Everything felt right.
The End