Even Gods Can Die On A Bad Day

(or, A Death In The Family)

by David Bowlin

"It's nothing you did or didn't do, Batman," said Doctor Tremlin in a whisper. "You can't blame
yourself. Dying is part of living, even for heroes."

Batman nodded his head, staring at Robin's dying form lying on the hospital bed. His eyes were
brimming with tears, but none fell. Heroes didn't cry, after all. They might die, oh yes, they might not
always win, but they did not cry.

Doctor Tremlin brushed strands of stray hair from Robin's face, and spoke in an even softer voice.
"For what it's worth, he isn't suffering much. It's a slow death, but the pain's not physical. It's more
emotional than anything, a feeling that things are winding down, coming to a close." He looked up, stared
at Batman for a minute, then continued. "It happens to all of our kind, sooner or later, and this fate will
eventually claim you and me and all the rest."

When Batman spoke, his voice was harsh and leathery, as if he were having a hard time forming the
words. "I know it's part of our lives, but... he was so faithful, always working so hard at justice, believing in
humanity. Believing we were making a difference..."

"You were making a difference, Batman. Both of you. Just look at all the lives you've influenced, all
the good you've brought into the world. Robin's death, while tragic, is the end of a long, meaningful life.
We should celebrate his life while we still live, while we are still here."

Robin's chest heaved once more, then he simply faded away. Neither the doctor nor Batman were
surprised, but both kept staring at the bed where their friend had lain.

Batman nodded, coughed to force back his tears, and stood erect. "Well," he said. "I should tell the
others, they're all waiting just outside."

"I'm sorry, Batman," said Doctor Tremlin. "We did our best."

Batman shook the doctor's hand, then opened the door and stepped into the waiting area. Superman
was there, leaning against a soda machine, his face hard and sharp, his eyes moist but firm. Wonder
Woman stood from her chair, her chin trembling slightly. Green Lantern turned to stare out the window.
Aqua Man downed another cup of water, then crushed the styrofoam and tossed it into the waste basket
and turned away, eyes downcast.

"He's gone," Batman said simply. The others shook their heads, and all of them filed out the door
and headed their separate ways, wondering which of them would be next, wondering why all their fans
were forgetting them in this digital age, not knowing that by their forgetting they were causing the deaths
of their childhood heroes.

[ end ]

© David Bowlin
February 28, 2004
11:33 a.m.