Kamari was in rare form tonight.

Toys were flung across the living room. Her favorite princess dress was balled up in the corner, and she was currently screaming at the top of her lungs from the staircase because… Bruce had turned off the TV.

“I hate it here!” she shrieked. “I hate you!”

Your blood ran cold.

Bruce was frozen mid-step, clearly stunned. You met his eyes, jaw clenched.

You stood slowly, heartbeat pounding, and walked to the base of the stairs.

“Kamari Rain Wayne,” you said, voice low but shaking. “Come. Here. Now.”

“No!” she barked, tears streaking her cheeks. “I don’t have to listen!”

Bruce opened his mouth, but you held up a hand. You had it. Barely.

When she didn’t move, you marched up the stairs. She backed away — and for a split second, fear flickered in her eyes.

You stopped cold.

That gutted you.

“Kami,” you said, voice cracking, “you think I want to scare you?”

Her lip trembled.

You sat on the step and exhaled, rubbing your face. “You’re breaking my heart tonight.”

She didn’t answer.

“I’ve never raised my hands to you. I don’t want to. But you are pushing me, baby. Talking back. Throwing things. Saying things you don’t mean.” You looked at her now, pain thick in your voice. “I’m your mother. Not your enemy.”

She stared at you, quiet, finally realizing the weight of it.

From below, Bruce came closer, silent and tense. The way you handled it — all heart, all fire, no fear — he’d never seen anything more powerful.

Kamari crept down a step, then another.

“I’m sorry, Mommy,” she whispered, crawling into your lap like she was two again.

You held her close, tears in your eyes. “I love you so much. But you don’t get to treat us like that. Ever. Got it?”

She nodded against your chest.

You glanced up at Bruce. His eyes said it all: pride, admiration… and a little heartbreak.

He mouthed, You okay?

You nodded.

Barely.