Batman : Of Moth and Men

Chapter 3- Dinner

As the evening went about, Bruce and Dr. Cameron van Cleer sat at the dining room table having a drink. Both men were sharing stories and laughing the night away. Alfred approached the dinner table with a sliver tray in hand.

Here you are gentlemen, Alfred said as he laid the tray before them. Bruce lifted the lid and placed it aside.

Meatloaf, my favorite, Bruce said. He glanced over at Dr. Cameron van Cleer who had his hands over his mouth. Is something wrong, Doctor?

I'm terribly sorry Bruce, I forgot to tell you that I'm an herbivore.

You mean, you are a vegetarian?, Bruce asked.

Just then a moth had made its way into the dining area. It landed on the wall next to the dining room table. Alfred noticed it and said How did you get in here?

Alfred hit the moth and it fell onto the floor. The moth began to flap its wings. Dr. Cameron van Cleer's eyes widened as he witnessed the murder. Then, Alfred stepped on the moth.

ENOUGH! Dr. Cameron van Cleer stood up and approached Alfred. How could you? What did he do to you?

Dr. Cameron van Cleer knelt down on the floor and scooped up the moth in his bare hands. He gently stroked the moth and closed his eyes. He did all he could to fight back his tears.

Bruce walked up to Alfred and whispered into his ear. Cameron is a scientist and a moth expert.

I'm sorry sir, I had no idea, Alfred apologized. Do allow me to make up for it, sir!

Make up for it? Make up for it? How could you possibly make up for it? Let me guess, you won't kill any more moths while I'm here, is that right? Then, when I leave its back to hurting innocent lifeforms! No thank you!

Bruce reached down to help him up. He stood up and almost shrugged him off. I don't need any more of your help Bruce Wayne. Good Night.

Dr. Cameron van Cleer walked towards the front door and gave a gleaming look back at them. He could not hold his sadness back anymore and a lonely tear rolled down his face.

And I thought we were friends, Bruce. Clearly I was mistaken.

He opened the door and stepped outside. He left the door wide open and another moth managed to fly back into the room. Bruce and Alfred noticed the moth and then looked at each other.

Alfred closed the door. He started walking towards Bruce and then paused and looked at the innocent moth. Alfred glared at it closely and said I do say, Master Bruce. This moth looks exactly like the one that was just in here.

Bruce replied, I guess we are not moth experts, Alfred. Just let it be for now. One moth can't hurt us.