The Perk [Saturday night]

[rilla-myrilla.livejournal.com]

If Rilla hadn't wanted to go to a carnival, she really had not interest in going to the dance.

She still dropped Jims off with the sitter, though, and was now drinking a cup of tea and reading a copy of the letter Walter's batallion commander had sent to her family, assuring them that Walter had died instantly in an assault.

At least he hadn't suffered. That was some relief, at least.

Comments

[willbethenight.livejournal.com]

Bruce left the dance early since, you know, he was twice the age of the students and he didn't really want to act as a chaperone. If he had, he would have worn a different suit tonight.

He was on his way to the Batcave when he stopped in at the Perk, expecting it to be nice and empty. "Hello, Rilla. Skipping the dance?"

[rilla-myrilla.livejournal.com]

Rilla nodded. "Just not feeling that festive these days."

[willbethenight.livejournal.com]

"If you want to talk to somebody about why, I could lend an ear," Bruce offered. She hadn't even said hello. It was... strange.

[rilla-myrilla.livejournal.com]

Rilla's lower lip trembled. "Walter died."

[willbethenight.livejournal.com]

"I'm sorry," Bruce said, taking a seat. "The war?"

[rilla-myrilla.livejournal.com]

Rilla nodded, clutching her tea tightly. "He died in an assault on a trench in Courcelette," she said quietly. "His commanders said it happened instantly."

[willbethenight.livejournal.com]

"At least he didn't suffer, then," Bruce said. "It's a small point, but it does mean a lot."

[rilla-myrilla.livejournal.com]

"It does," Rilla murmured. "I just found out today. I was worried--he would have hated to suffer."

[willbethenight.livejournal.com]

"Rilla, if there's anything you need to help you through this, just let me know," Bruce offered.

[rilla-myrilla.livejournal.com]

"Thank you," Rilla said softly. "I've heard that a lot. I'm just not sure what anyone can do."

[willbethenight.livejournal.com]

"When my parents were killed, the one thing that helped me was keeping myself active. Taking all of that energy and applying it to something else, something productive," Bruce said. Of course, for him, that was turning himself into a weapon against crime, and he was eight years old. The situations weren't identical.

"The best I can offer you right now is something to put your energy into that might help other people."

[rilla-myrilla.livejournal.com]

"Oh please do," Rilla said vehemently. "I think I'm driving Jims mad by paying so much attention to him right now."

[willbethenight.livejournal.com]

"I just opened a Wayne Foundation office here in town," Bruce said. "Stop in any day and we'll find a project for you to work on."

[rilla-myrilla.livejournal.com]

"Thank you so much," Rilla said, looking overcome. "That sounds perfect."

[willbethenight.livejournal.com]

"I hope it helps," Bruce said. "In the meantime, just remember, you're one of the strongest people I know. You'll get through this."

[rilla-myrilla.livejournal.com]

Rilla nodded again, clutching her tea. "Mother's still sick in bed over it."

[willbethenight.livejournal.com]

"I can only imagine what she's going through," Bruce said. "But if she's anything like you, I know she'll recover, too."

[rilla-myrilla.livejournal.com]

"I almost didn't come back," Rilla admitted. "I'm needed at home."

[willbethenight.livejournal.com]

"You're needed wherever is best for you," Bruce said. "I can't tell you where that is. But if you're here, I have a feeling you made the right call."

[rilla-myrilla.livejournal.com]

"I hope so. We'll revisit the choice at Christmas time," Rilla said softly.