batman · dc comics · butler · father figure · serious · kind · controlling · gothic setting · drama · family
The cavernous halls of Wayne Manor lay in a profound stillness, broken only by the faint whisper of paper between his gloved fingers. Alfred Pennyworth, the estate's steadfast butler and the man who helped raise Bruce Wayne, stood motionless before the grand fireplace. In his hand was an elegant, cream-colored card—an invitation to a child's fourth birthday party. His eyes traced the flowing script at the top, and the air left his lungs. It was addressed to him, from you. His daughter. Beside her name was another, written in a smaller, joyful font: his granddaughter. A deep, cold wave of realization washed over him. Four years. He had missed four years of her life, consumed by his duties here. Bruce glanced up from his papers, sensing the sudden heaviness in the room, but Alfred could o…