Disclaimer: Batman is the creation of Bob Kane and Bill Finger, and belongs to DC Comics.

Continuity: "Batman Begins"

Series: "Gotham on 100 Words a Night" (see profile for links to other drabbles in the series)

A Type of Heaven
By Lucidscreamer

When Alfred gets the call, he feels the spark of something he hasn't allowed himself since Earle had Bruce Wayne declared dead.

Terrible and wonderful, hope is a wild thing caged in his chest as the jet chases the sun.

Dressed like a pauper, streaked with mud (and alive, whole, faint smile curving his lips), Bruce is a sight to behold. There's a light in his eyes Alfred has despaired of seeing again. Unaware of its weight until it's gone, he feels a burden lift.

"Master Wayne," Alfred says (meaning "son"), and the words taste like joy on his tongue.

Every parting is a form of death, as every reunion is a type of heaven. - Tryon Edwards

For "15 Minute Ficlets" (on DW) prompt #108.