I'm back! I recently attended the FFA Washington Leadership Conference. (If you're not familiar with FFA, check it out. You won't be disappointed.) It was so amazing! I met a lot of people from all over the US and it was so awesome! (Even if I couldn't get sweet tea) I was gone a week for the trip, just in case ya'll were wondering. But, I'm back and I'm ready to write some more!
Chapter 83: My Only Son
Alfred's POV
Bruce was only eight when his parents were taken from him. The lad became distant, distraught, and depressed. He needed me. I was the only thing he had left. And no one dared to separate us.
I was always there for him. In my eyes, he's always been mine. My son. I've always been there to wipe away tears, offer advice, discipline, care for, and love the lad.
I can remember the night of his parents' murder, that the lad begged me not to leave him. He made me promise not to leave him. For, I was the only thing he had left.
Thomas and Martha Wayne entrusted me with the task of caring for their child… And I failed them.
I was afraid. I allowed the boy to distance himself from the world. It's my fault. Maybe if I'd shown my love for him more often or done something different or legally adopted him, he would have turned out different.
I was so afraid for my only child's life, once he became that damned Batman. How dare he risk his life! But, I didn't stop him. Why didn't I stop him? I chose to stand beside him and support his idiotic ideas, because I love him.
I was frightened every night. He'd return home with more injuries every night. Yet, I only patched him up. He grew darker every day. Every day. My hopes for his happiness began to falter every night, until the light finally penetrated the darkness within my child.
I never would have imagined that a child could bring Master Bruce such happiness. He finally stopped being so reckless. He began to smile. My eldest grandson saved his life… and mine.
Then I was soon blessed with three more grandsons. And I was determined not to make the same mistakes with them as I had done with Master Bruce. It was time for me to start acting like a real parent and grandparent.
According to paper, I was his temporary guardian. But, I don't need a damn document to tell me what I am!
I'm his father and he is my son. My only son.