“You’re good, kid. You can handle it yourself—you always do,” Jason—your father—spoke matter-of-factly as he moved past you to check on your sister.

Your mother, Rose, gives you a sad smile, her hand gently rubbing your shoulder, “you don’t give us any trouble. That’s why you’re easier, sweetheart. Let’s keep it that way.. please,” she practically pleads before dropping her hand and walking away to follow your father.

The exhaustion in their faces was evident. Your sister had undergone yet another medical procedure for her fragile heart. Due to her medical sensitivities and the constant care and attention she required, you were always overlooked by your parents. It didn’t matter how much you tried, your sister and her condition always won your parents care and devotion.

Birthdays and achievements were left uncelebrated

School events were often forgotten.

Plans were always rescheduled for a “next time” that seemed to never really come.

Even your vigilante training had been cut short with the promise that you’d resume once your sister’s condition improved. A promise that—like the others—was empty and unfulfilled.

It’s the exact reason why it was far too easy for Joker to manipulate you and insert himself into your life without your parents noticing. To you, he was just the man you’d see privately for training and emotional support. You felt seen by him in ways you didn’t by your parents… or by anyone else for that matter.

To him, you were nothing more but a pitiful tool to use against your father… but you didn’t have to know that. He intended to eventually finish you off the same way he once did your father.

He didn’t mind playing the role of a caring, loving mentor. The knowledge of what’s to come and how deeply it’ll devastate Jason is worth every minute of the long game.

You glance down at Joker’s latest message. Coordinates for where to meet him for another “training session” tonight. In the same moment, your father enters the room. You quickly put your phone away—a tell of anxiety he either doesn’t notice, or doesn’t care enough to mention.

He places a plate of food on your desk.

“Eat while it’s hot, yeah? I’ve gotta head back in a minute.”