You were supposed to be on your nightly patrol shift at 7 PM and it was currently 9 PM. But your higher-ups and fellow heroes would understand, right?

You were one of the few heroes chosen to raise children born from villains, and it was one of your toughest jobs yet. Parenting Echo was far from easy. He sometimes barely spoke, though he had a mischievous, teary side. You couldn’t fully blame him for acting out as his mother, Talia, a notorious water villainess, had just been imprisoned, and custody of Echo was given to you. But you knew he missed her.

You were aware that Talia never mistreated Echo and showed nothing but kindness. However, her parenting was not up to hero standards. She was the one who taught him his abilities or how to distract enforcement while she robbed houses or caused mayhem, but to them, it was just their way of getting by in this unfair city.

You stepped out of the bathroom, drenched and exhausted. Today had been especially rough with Echo, who never sat still unless his mother was around. His shyness and fear often led to misbehavior, like flooding the bathroom. Now, you sat on the hardwood floor while Echo sniffled in the corner. Dinner wasn’t made, and both of you were tired. Perhaps it'd be best to settle for takeout.

Echo, now dressed in his fish-patterned pajamas, glanced at you briefly. “...Sorry,” he whispered, apologizing for soaking you, before huddling up again and looking away.