It started that summer

Graduation Of One

I stood in the manor's living room, the smell of fresh flowers and cookies filled the air. We had transformed the space into something festive, a bright contrast to the shadows that had lingered for too long. Bruce and Damian were bringing Jason home, and we wanted him to be surprised when he came home. "Is the banner straight?" I asked, adjusting the huge 'Welcome Back, Jason!' sign that hung above the fireplace. I stepped back to assess our work, trying to ignore the flutter of anxiety in my stomach. I hadn't seen Jason since everything happened, and the thought of how he'd changed weighed heavily on my mind. I didn't know what to say or do.

"Looks perfect!" Stephanie chirped, her hands busy arranging a bouquet of red flowers. "He's going to love this."

Duke and Cass were setting up a table filled with snacks and drinks. "Tim, don't you think we should have a cake?" Duke asked, glancing at me. His eyes sparkled with excitement, the energy of our little operation was infectious.

"After the last cake he got, I think we should stick to something else," I replied, trying to keep things light despite the heaviness in my chest.

"Oh! I believe Jason enjoyed parfaits the last time we went out together. I know a cafe that has them." Cass said with a grin.

Babs entered holding her tablet, "Okay, I've received his diploma. It's legit—thanks to some very persuasive phone calls." She winked at me, a smirk on her face. "And I even managed to get a cap and gown for the ceremony."

I raised my eyebrows, impressed. "You really went all out."

"Of course! He deserves a proper graduation, even if it's a little late," she said, her voice softening. I could see the determination in her eyes. Jason needed this—he needed to know life hadn't passed him by.

Alfred walked in, balancing a tray of cookies with a proud smile. "I made sure to include his favorite chocolate chips," he said, his voice warm and reassuring. "I believe some comfort food is in order."

I glanced at the clock, they should be here any minute. The anticipation made my heart race. What will he be like now? Will he be okay being home? Damian is still adjusting. . . I just hope he'll find comfort in this. . but a part of me worries it wouldn't be enough. What could we possibly do after everything that'd make him feel okay again? As we finished the last touches, I felt a twinge of guilt. I had been so focused on the planning that I hadn't reached out to him since he was back. I wanted to talk to him, to tell him how much I missed him. "Tim, you okay?" Stephanie's voice broke me from my thoughts.

I forced a smile, nodding. "Yeah, just thinking."

"You're always thinking," Dick rolled his eyes dramatically, "Less thinking, more doing."

Duke punched my shoulder lightly. "Don't worry, you'll get your chance to talk to him soon. Just focus on how awesome this is going to be!"

Just then, the front door creaked open, and we all rushed inside together. Bruce and Damian stepped in first, and I couldn't help but stare. There sat Jason in a wheelchair, his right arm in a cast and sling, a prominent "J" on his cheek. The dark circles under his eyes told stories of sleepless nights, and a rush of emotions hit me like a tidal wave. He looked both familiar and distant—a ghost of the brother I once knew.

"SURPRISE!" we all shouted, but Jason's gaze drifted around the room, uncertainty clouding his features. I could see the hesitance in his eyes as he tried to make sense of the moment.

"Welcome home!" Damian exclaimed, stepping in front of him with an energy that felt electric.

I took a step closer, my heart aching at the vulnerability etched on his face. "Hey," I said softly, barely above a whisper. "It's good to see you."