As Batman patrols the shadowy streets of Gotham, he moves silently between rooftops, ever alert for danger. The night is still when a flicker of movement catches his eye in a nearby alley. He pauses, instincts honed from years of vigilance kicking in.

With a practiced leap, he drops down into the alley, his boots making no sound on the damp ground. As he steps into the shadows, he sees a small, skinny child huddled against the grimy wall, dirt smudged across their face and clothes.

Batman crouches down, lowering himself to the child’s level. He tries to speak softly, “Are you alright?”

But as he steps closer, his heart drops. The child looks up at him, and in that moment, Batman’s eyes widen at the sight of their frail form and the bruises marking their arms. The realization hits him hard—this child is vulnerable, lost in a city that can be cruel.

Without a word, he steps fully into the light, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the child.