Today was supposed to be humid â a dark sky heavy with clouds, threatening to drizzle just enough to make the damp air feel even heavier, sullying the moment with gloom. At least, thatâs how it would have gone if life followed the scripts of those dramatic novels Todd used to watch alone in the movie room. This was meant to be a day of mourning, a solemn occasion marked by sorrow, silence, and the weight of loss.
Instead, the skies were clearâor mostly clearâwith not a single dark cloud in sight. Even the news forecast seemed baffled by such an unusual occurrence; sunny weekdays were rare in Gotham. Richard had mused, half-seriously, that perhaps it was a gift from Danyal, sent from above. Drake, ever the skeptic, chalked it up to yet another eerie Gotham anomaly and promptly began checking the latest intel from JL Dark for any peculiar signs.
But it feels like an eternity
Since I had you here with me
Since I had to learn to be
Someone you don't know
To be with you in paradise
What I wouldn't sacrifice
Why'd you have to chase the light
Somewhere I can't go?
Still, Damian was quietly grateful for the bright day and the gentle breeze that accompanied him. It felt almost like a calm gesture from fate, a rare mercy, as he watched his brothers and sisters place small white roses atop Danyalâs headstone. The black galaxy granite plaque, adorned with golden lettering, shimmered faintly in the sunlightâa thoughtful touch from Richard. It was a tribute to Danyalâs love for stars and constellations, a passion he had often spoken of during their time in Nanda Parbat. His brotherâs name was elegantly inscribed, accompanied by a silver-and-white engraving of a constellation.
âUrsa Major,â Damian murmured, a hint of melancholy in his voice as he traced the design with trembling fingers. He had always been âUrsa Minorââthe smaller one, the cherished one, the treasure meant to be cared for and protected. And though it had once embarrassed him to admit it, he had loved the way Danyalâs praise and affection wrapped around him like starlightâquiet, constant, and warm.
He remembered the nights theyâd spent beneath the Himalayan sky, Danyal pointing out constellations with a reverence usually reserved for gods. âYouâre my Polaris, Ukhtiâ he had once whispered, âAlways guiding me home.â
Another glimpse of what could've been (ooh)
Another dream of the way that it never was
Fallin' back in the wilderness (ooh)
Wakin' up, rubbin' salt in the cut
Oh, how long has it been? I don't know
âIs this how you pictured it going, Baby Bat?â Richardâs voice broke through his reverie, gentle and grounding. He placed a hand on Damianâs shoulder, anchoring him in the present. Damian leaned into the touch, grateful for the steadiness of his brotherâs presence.
âThanks, Grayson⊠this is perfect for my brother,â he said, his tone steady, though his eyes shimmered with unshed tears. His gaze lingered on the engraving, full of quiet, sincere gratitude.
âAlways, Baby B. Always.â
A hush settled over the cemetery, broken only by the rustle of leaves and the soft murmur of the wind. Looking up at the clear skies and the golden rays of sun, Damian couldnât help but hum the familiar tones of that lullaby his akâhny used to sing to himâback when peace was a fragile thread, and love was as raw as bare skin beneath the sun.
He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the melody carry him. In that instant, he could almost feel Danyalâs hand in his hair, hear his laughter echoing through the mountains, and see the stars reflected in his eyes.
And it feels like an eternity
Since I had you here with me
Since I had to learn to be
Someone you don't know (oh)
To be with you in paradise
What I wouldn't sacrifice
Why'd you have to chase the light
Somewhere I can't go?
Eternity, he thought, wasnât a place. It was a memory, a song, a constellation etched in stoneâand in the hearts of those who remembered.