It's the hugest house he's ever seen.

Jason White looks all around, trying to see everything without letting go of his dad's hand as they walk through the big tall hallways. He wants to go exploring, but Mommy said no running off and always ask permission first before he touches anything. He has to be a good guest or Mr. Bruce won't let him come back.

He wants to come back. This is the coolest house ever.

There's a lot of dust and funny smells everywhere, and sheets on things and boxes and stuff. Mr. Bruce's helper, Mr. Alfred, said they were moving back in. Jason had to move out of his old house and into his new one, and it made him a little sad. But that was a long time ago. Months and months ago. He likes his new house now, even if it's just an apartment and not a big huge house like Mr. Bruce's.

He looks down at the floor and concentrates, biting his lip and squinting really hard. This doesn't always work for him and he starts to feel frustrated. Then the floor blurs and then – much to his delight – fades out. He can see a big dark empty space down there. Way, way down there. And – whoa!

"Batman's got a motorcycle!" Jason exclaims to his dad.

His dad glances down at the floor. "He does. Maybe he'll let you look at it later."

"Maybe when I get bigger," Jason says, hop-skipping, "he can let me ride it. And you and me and Mr. Bruce can all go help people all together!"

His dad laughs. "That sounds like a good plan, Jason. But we'll see."

They stop at a big wooden door with fancy pictures hanging all around it. Mr. Alfred says, "And here we are. Now, before I leave you to your lesson, what would the young gentleman prefer as a snack?"

"Cupcakes!" Jason says instantly.

"No. He's allergic to wheat," his dad says.

Jason heaves a long-suffering sigh. "But I can eat the icing, Daddy."

"No. Cupcakes aren't a very healthy snack anyway. I'm sure Mr. Wayne has something better."

Mr. Alfred winks at Jason. "I don't believe that our ice cream has any wheat."

"I want strawberry!" Jason declares. Then he remembers what he's supposed to say and adds, before his dad can remind him, "Please, thank you."

"Well. Strawberry it is, then. And you're quite welcome," Mr. Alfred says, smiling at him.

His dad kneels and gives him a big hug. Jason squeezes back, then squirms free and runs to the door. "Bye Daddy!"

"I'll be back in a couple of hours, Jason," his dad says, but Jason has already opened the door and crossed into the room beyond. It's filled with all kinds of workout stuff and mats and punching bags and even a boxing ring.

He stares around, open-mouthed. This is so. Cool.

"Jason," Mr. Bruce says, and Jason spins around to see him standing by another door.

"Mr. Bruce!" He runs over and hugs Mr. Bruce around the legs. Mr. Bruce just kind of pats his shoulder, but Jason doesn't care. "I like your house! Can I see your Batman motorcycle later?"

Mr. Bruce gives him a funny look. "Why not?"

Jason bounces up and down, thrilled in his victory. "Cool!"

"Do you know why you're here?"

"Uh-huh," he says, bouncing. "To learn karate and stuff. Because Mommy and Daddy said I gotta learn to be safe, and not break things. They said you're the best and Mommy asked you special to teach me."

"That's right." Mr. Bruce still looks friendly, but also very serious. He walks over to the mats and Jason follows, feeling a little scared and a lot excited all at the same time.

"Okay, Jason," Mr. Bruce says. "Are you ready to begin?"

--end--