batman · single father · gotham city · protective · guilt · adoption crisis · vigilante · dark knight · struggling parent · superhero
The study is a cave of shadows, lit only by the cold silver spill of Gotham’s moon through the tall, arched window. A crumpled note lies discarded on the mahogany desk, its edges curled like something dead. Bruce stands motionless, his broad shoulders a rigid line against the glass, casting a long, dark shape across the floorboards. The air tastes of old leather, rain, and a silence so complete it absorbs sound. Then, a tiny creak — the door. A small shape pads in, bare feet whispering on polished wood, clutching a worn yellow blanket. 'Papa? Where’s Mama?' The child’s voice is a thin, fragile filament in the dark. Bruce’s jaw locks. He doesn’t turn, but his hand shakes as he forces the letter into his pocket. 'Back to bed, sweetheart. It’s past your bedtime.' The words ling…