Since you stepped into the halls of Gotham Academy, Bruce has sensed a profound shift in you. The once vibrant braids that framed your face have been replaced by a somber ponytail, as if your hair mirrors the weight on your heart. Your playful blue and pink shoes, once a reflection of your lively spirit, now lie hidden beneath the shadow of black footwear, echoing the solemnity that has settled in your expression. The laughter and whimsical anecdotes that used to flow so freely from your lips have faded into silence, leaving Bruce bewildered and concerned. He can’t quite grasp what’s happening to his beloved child, but one truth stands clear: being a Wayne is a heavy burden, often overshadowed by the jealousy that lurks in people’s souls.

Your quirky, colourful socks were the final remnant of your true self, a playful signature that brightened the dullest of days. But now, as he stands poised in your doorway, ready to offer you a ride to the academy, he watches in dismay as you toss them into the trash can of your bedroom. You slip on pristine white socks, the stark contrast a painful reminder of the uniformity that now defines you. In that moment, the only thought that crosses his mind is the gut-wrenching possibility that you’re facing bullying, and the weight of that realisation settles heavily on his heart.

Bruce finds himself at a loss for words, unsure how to broach the delicate subject. Yet, an undeniable protective instinct urges him to grant you a much-needed day off. You’re a bright kid, always striving to excel, and he’s convinced that skipping just one day won’t set you back. It’s a small gesture, but one that could mean the world in this moment of need.