The Long Road Home (new posts)

[Susie]

I found the story to be getting too long so decided to start the new thread.

DOE- Thank you for the wonderful words. I'm speechless really---for you to say I have talent is like getting praise from a star. Thank you so much!

Well, here's the next post. I know, if I keep posting so regulary I might hurt myself...kidding. Sorry about the lack of posts...blame it on RL.

Here ya go!


By the time Bruce made it back to the Batcave, Barbara was also back and out of her outfit. She had resumed her seat by Tim's bed and looked completely haggard. The Dark Knight saw Dick sitting at the Batcomputer looking up information for, perhaps, one of his cases. Leslie and Alfred were no where to be seen and Bruce wagered that they had gone upstairs to get something to eat. Batman slowly moved into the changing room and disrobed his outfit to wear street clothes. Once dressed in normal attire he moved over towards Barbara and Tim.

The young woman looked up and shook her head. "I couldn't find anything left of Harley Quinn. Either someone got to her first or she's out there somewhere."

"She won't cause any trouble." Bruce stated and left it at that. "Is there any change with Timothy?"

Barbara ran her hand over the young boy's hair. "Not yet. Leslie said that it should be any time now that he regains consciousness."

"You should call your father and let him know where you've been."

"I already have. I told him I went on a surprise vacation with Dick for a late birthday present. He just told me to have a nice time."

"Oh." Was Bruce's only answer.

"Um...do you know if..." Barbara paused for a moment looking down at Tim. "Do you have any hair dye?"

The older man looked at the young boy's hair and noticed why Barbara wanted hair dye. Tim's coloring still had the dark green tint to it. Once that tint was removed he would look like the young boy they knew. Luckily, Bruce always kept hair dye around for those times he had to go undercover and told Barbara as much.

"It's upstairs in my bathroom."

Barbara nodded and headed up to Wayne Manor to get the dye. Bruce stood by Tim for another minute or so before heading to Dick at the computer. He moved towards the younger man and looked at what he was researching. Covering the screen were various articles from different Gotham papers. On each title, in big, bold letters was some variation of 'THE JOKER'S DEAD'. In each article, there was a quick explanation of where the Joker was found, how he was found, and who found him.

Although none of the authors knew who had killed the Joker, not one mentioned any investigation into his killer. No one cared WHO killed the Joker, all that mattered was he was dead and never again who the city have to live in fear of him.

Bruce shook his head, if only they knew what the Joker's death had cost THEM. Never again would Robin fly the nights because of the Joker- he would never protect anyone from harm of another.

As if reading his mind, Dick spoke up. "You aren't going to let him be Robin again, are you?"

The older man sighed. "Would you?"

The question hung in the air for a silent moment before Dick closed the Joker articles and faced Bruce. "I don't know what I would do? I mean...I guess I would wait and see what his feelings are. Maybe...just maybe he'll feel he HAS to fight because of this. This experience could also make him want to quit and never return. I think, though, you owe it to him to let him decide. He's already been through enough and to make him be forced to give up the mask could be too much."

Bruce heard Dick's words and even understood his argument, but knew that he could never LET Tim be Robin again. This whole horrible event showed Batman just how much danger he put everyone into when they put on the mask. He could never endanger another young partner again because it wasn't HIS life to endanger.

He knew that Dick had been right all those years ago- everyone only THOUGHT they had a choice as to whether or not they put on the mask, but Bruce knew better. He knew that he pushed those one-time children, so hard that, if they did chose to leave, they would know he was disappointed. And, no matter how hard he pushed them, Bruce knew they NEVER wanted to disappoint him or the Batman. So, in the end, they put their lives on the line because they wanted to prove to him they WERE something and WERE worthy of his devotion and time.

Thus, they were forced to remain Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing, or whatever costume they put on, because of HIM.

He could never make another child feel that way- he had to stop the idea of partners, Robin, sidekicks, now before he injured or, perhaps, killed someone that got caught up in HIS fight.

Bruce wasn't aware that Dick had moved away from the computer and was helping Barbara with Tim's hair. He continued to stare off into space thinking over all the past mistakes and harm he had caused to people he considered his family. He had gotten them all caught up in HIS fight against crime. They were all a part of HIS revenge on the death of his mother and father- it had nothing to do with Barbara, Dick or Tim, but everything to do with Bruce.

The older man closed his eyes, while Barbara and Dick sat with Tim.

At three in the morning, the young boy woke up again, later than what Leslie thought, but no one cared. All that mattered was that he WOKE up. However, as before, all Tim did was mumble and trash about. Everyone then realize how long and hard of a journey this would be for young Robin.

~<>~

2 MONTHS LATER

~<>~

The next two months for Barbara passed in a kaleidoscope of events. Not one truly making itself distinct in her mind. Later, she would reflect and wonder how on earth two months of someone's life could just seem to disappear into a haze, but that was exactly what had happen.

She knew that Bruce began to go out as Batman again. Batgirl was still in hiatus and Barbara hadn't bother to REALLY think about her night job.

Dick had also begun to go out as Nightwing in Gotham, but he hadn't gone back to Bludhaven. She distantly remembered him telling her one night that Wally West, The Flash, watching it for him.

Leslie, who had a clinic to run, stopped by every night after her work and spent long hours with Tim. She would perform tests on him and update the Batfamily with any new prognoses.

Alfred, as always, was a presence in Wayne Manor. He was the glue that held the rest of the family together. Without him, Barbara knew no one would ever get a decent meal and be on the verge of falling over from lack of sleep.

As for herself, Barbara spent nearly all her time at Wayne manor and in the Batcave watching over Tim. The young boy spent most of his time unconscious, but when he did return to the land of the living, he acted as he had all those weeks ago when he first woke up. Each time, Tim would laugh hysterically, perhaps mumble some incoherent words, until Leslie, or whoever was present, gave him a sedative.

Barbara's hope was slowly beginning to fade and she feared Tim would never break past this strange hold the Joker still had on him- she feared the young boy would spend the rest of his life as he was now.

And that was what the past two months had been a collection of. Not one specific event standing out in her mind. She told her father that she wanted to cease her work at the GCPD to work for a Mr. Bruce Wayne at Wayne Corps. He had been hesitant at first, but agreed when she told him how much she would be making. Of course it was a fictional job, but allowed Barbara time with Tim and that was all she cared about.

Today, was no different than all those other days, and nights, spent at Wayne Manor. Bruce was busy at Wayne Corps filling in as the leader of the multi-billion dollar company. Dick was upstairs resting after a long night as Nightwing. Because of the death of the Joker the other criminals seemed out for revenge on behalf of the maniac clown- the streets of Gotham were constantly flooded with fugitives.

Alfred was busy dusting around the Cave, no doubt softly humming a melody to himself. Barbara made her way up the large stairs inside Wayne Manor. After it was found that Tim would not be waking up for some time, it was decided to move him to a more comfortable 'home'. Alfred took hold of one of the many spare bedrooms and dressed it as a nice hospital room. All the important equipment that the Batcave had was ushered up the stairs and placed in this room.

For two months, Tim had lived in the large room whist visitors came and gone.

Barbara entered the room and moved over to the large window. She pulled open the curtains and allowed the soft light to illuminate the room.

"Hello Tim. It's really a beautiful day outside- the sun's up and there's a nice breeze." The young woman moved around to the young boy's bed. She took a seat in a large chair and grabbed a magazine that sat at her feet. For over thirty minutes she read a magazine, reading certain parts out loud to Tim, while reading others to herself. Finally, she finished and placed the magazine back on the ground.

She looked over at the young boy and sighed. "Oh, Tim, can't you please wake up for us. We all miss you and worry for you." Barbara watched as the young boy moaned and then rolled a bit in his sleep. She held her breath hoping that he would wake up and, yet, fearing that he would. Finally, the boy's movements stopped and he seemed to calm down- the young woman sighed again. "What is going on in that mind of yours? What are you thinking little brother?"

The rhetorical question was left up in the air as Barbara put her head in the palm of her hand and rested it on the arm of the chair. Within minutes she was asleep.

~<>~

Tim found himself standing in a dark room- the blackness almost seemed alive as it crawled over him. "Hello? Is anyone here?"

A soft laugher answered the boy's question.

"Hello?" His voice began to crack with fear and anticipation. The outline of a person appeared out of nowhere in the dark room. He watched as the figure moved closer to him. He remained rooted in his spot afraid to move further into the darkness.

"Timothy?" The one name allowed the young boy to recognize the voice.

"Barb?"

The figure seemed to illuminate itself from the inside and Tim could see that, it was indeed, Barbara Gordon. She moved closer to him and he could even smell the sweet scent of her perfume.

"How does it feel, Tim?" The young boy cocked an eyebrow at the young woman in a way of a question. She answered the unasked. "How does it feel to be a murderer?"

The young boy stepped back from the redhead. "What? But...I...I didn't...murder...I didn't mean..."

"You're a murderer- plan and simple."

"No, please, Barb. You have to believe that..."

"Murderer!"

"No...please understand..."

The young boy felt tears begin to stream down his face.

"You're no better than him. In fact, you're just like him."

Tim shook his head viciously. "No, I'm not...please..."

The young woman moved her face closer to the young boy's. "You're just like the Joker. A murderer!"

He woke up screaming and panting. Tears running down his face in hiccuping sobs. He slowly pulled his knees to his chest and wrapped his small arms around his legs. He gently began to rock himself as he tried to calm the sobs that coursed through him.

His door was suddenly thrown opened by Dick who charged into the small room. He didn't stop running till he was at the young boy's bedside. Behind him, Tim saw Barbara enter the room. Once his eyes fell on her he felt calm pass over him.

~It was all a dream. A terrible dream~

However, he watched as the young woman began to smile and then mouth silent words. He squinted his eyes to try and deceiver the words.

Under his breath he spoke the words she was saying as he understood them. "You're...just...like...him...murderer..."

The young boy, comprehending the words, began to shake again. "No...no...nonono! I'm not like him. I didn't mean to do it. It was an accident." But even as he said it, he found himself not believing those words. It wasn't an accident, he had meant to shot the Joker. ~Oh God- I am a murderer~

Barbara moved next to Dick and reached out for the young boy. Her hand made contact Tim's shoulder and he jumped back into the bed's backboard. He turned his pleading, tear-filled eyes towards the redhead and Dick.

"Please believe me. I didn't mean to kill him. I don't want to be a murderer. He just...he...tor-tortured me...please..."

Barbara looked into Tim's eyes and began to smile evilly.

"Murderer...murderer...murderer..."

She continued to chant even while the young boy shook his head again. Soon, Tim heard Dick join in the chanting:

"Murderer...murderer...murderer..."

"NOOOOOO!"

With a jolt, the young boy found himself back in the blackness- surrounded by silence. He felt his knees grow weak and soon collapsed on the ground. Sobs racked his body violently as a soft laughter filled the darkness.

~<>~

You know the nice thing...from here on the posts will be new!

[Daughterof_Evil]

Geez *blushes furiously*. You really didn't have to say that about me. You can't belittle your own work. Its emotional and sad and heartfelt. I love the way you seem to get into their minds, evaluate their feelings in the situation. It was terribly disturbing to see Tim -a once happy, funny, sarcastic kid- reduced to fear and paranoia by one man. You've really captured the tragedy, but hopefully soon there might be some goodness to come out of it.

Again, an excellent job. Keep up the good work.

[SilverKnight]

Dude, you rock. You so totally rock. I can't say anything more than that.

[Susie]

Gee, you two, I'm getting a big head Becuase of the wonderful FB **hugs DOE and SK** Here's the newest post.

Thanks again!!!!


PS- This is actually a never before read part...wowee

~<>~

ONE MONTH LATER

~<>~

"What do you think I SHOULD do, Dick? What CAN I do? It's been three months. THREE MONTHS! We don't have a clue how much longer it could be."

"I get that Bruce, but you can't do this. It's just...just not fair to him or to us."

"Do you think I WANT to do this, but there's nothing else I can think of."

Barbara moved out of the shadow she had been hidden in and moved to the two men. "What are you going to do, Bruce?"

Both males looked at the redhead and Dick answered her question. "He's transferring Tim to Horizon Hospital."

The name rung a bell in her head, but Barbara fell short with the information on the hospital. "Why does that sound so familiar?"

"Probably because it's not just any hospital. It's a place where the mentally ill can go who also need medical care."

The young woman gasped to herself. Bruce wanted to put Tim, a fourteen year-old boy, in a mental hospital?

"It's not as bad as Dick makes it sound. He'll be given all the proper medical treatment he needs and human contact. This is for the best- we can't keep him here any longer Look at this family, we're all slowly dying. Barbara, you're as pale as a sheet and probably haven't gotten over four hours of sleep since this incident.

"Dick, you haven't been back to Bludhaven, save to pick up clothes, since forever. I'm certain that Wally can take care of the city, but you still have a life there that you do need to get back to. I know that Alfred spends almost all day in a zombie state and I see him walking at night- he's barely sleeping. Leslie has her clinic and can't continue to spend as much time her as she does. This is for the best." He looked down at the ground and mumbled. "I'm sorry."

Bruce quickly turned on heel and left the two younger adult alone.

Barbara moved closer to Dick and put her hand in his giving him an affectionate squeeze. "Maybe...maybe Bruce is right and this is for the better."

The young man pulled the red-head into a hug. "I think that's what scares me the most is that he could be right and that this could be Tim's future."

The two adults remained close, holding on to each other as support.

~<>~

The soft laughing had finally subsided and Timothy moved out of the tight ball he had been lying in. ~Where am I?~ The young boy knew he would never be able to answer that question as long as the infernal darkness swarm around him.

"Hello? Is there anyone here? Please, anyone?!?" A soft white light suddenly broke the darkness and Tim threw a hand over his eyes to block out the blinding light. A figure's silhouette seemed to move out of the light causing the young Robin to squint as watched the figure approach him. The person soon got close enough and Tim started in surprise.

"Hello, honey." A young woman, no older than twenty-five stood before the young boy. She was dressed in a soft white gown that flowed over her petite frame gracefully. Her long, wavy, black hair fell endlessly down her back and around her face. Her sharp blue eyes held unspoken kindness and love and her pale lips were curved in a soft smile. The woman was truly beautiful and just as Tim remembered her.

"Mom." The woman nodded softly. Years before Tim ever dreamed of being Robin his mother had been murdered in a drive-by shooting. She had been twenty-four while her son was only five. Even as the years had past, though, and even as Tim changed, his mother remained the same beauty he remembered looking at when he would fall asleep.

"Timothy, I've missed you." Tears suddenly poured from the young boy's eyes.

"I've missed you too, mom. I love you so much."

The woman smiled and approached her son. "I know, sweetie. I love you, too." Before the lad knew what happened his mother pulled him into a hug. The warmth from her body spread through out his and he took a deep breath to remember the smell of her. She gently ran her hand over the young boy's back and held him close.

Tim felt his mom move out of the hug and looked at her expectantly. "It's time to go home, son."

~Home? But he was with her, wasn't this home?~

"In many, many years this will be your home, but you have another family waiting for you." As if she was made of smoke, Tim watched his mother's figure begin to fade away.

"Mom! Please you can't go." The young woman smiled sadly at her son.

"I will always be with you, but you need to be with others right now. I love you, my brave, little Robin."

With those words, Tim saw his mother vanish from sight. "I love you, too." The young boy suddenly felt too tired to stand and laid down on the dark ground. His eyelids dropped against his will and he was instantly asleep.

~<>~

Bruce sat next to the young boy's bed as he had done so many times before. Tim was going to be move to Horizon in a little over three hours and the older man wanted to spend this time with him. He regretted having to make the decision, but it HAD to be done. The family had done a remarkable job of keeping their eye on Tim, but they needed to move on.

He didn't want to sound like he was pushing Timothy aside and trying to forget about the boy- he would NEVER forget him, but he knew that if they were to ever survive they HAD to move on. It was a horribly tough decision, but it was what had to be made.

Bruce sighed and held onto Tim's hand- he no longer really spoke to the boy, but let his companionship speak in volumes through touch and closeness. The Batman had always been a man of few words and, right now, Bruce didn't even know what he would say.

The young boy rolled slightly in his sleep and the older man prayed that he wouldn't wake up in his strange crazed state. Every time that happened, Bruce felt his heart break and he knew, right now, he couldn't handle it. Tim continued to move and the dark-haired man tightened his hold. Then, in a moment so pivotal Bruce would remember it with fondness for years to come, Tim opened his eyes and met his.

"Uhh...Bruce?"

For once, the older man was in complete shock and utterly silent. All the years he spent training to be Batman meant nothing now as he struggled to form words. "Tim?"

The young boy appeared to play with the words in his mouth and then blinked at his mentor, but said nothing. Bruce looked closely at Tim's eyes searching for something.

He asked his question again. "Tim?"

This time, the young Robin closed his eyes and nodded his head- it was all the older man needed.

In an act, that surprised and delighted the young Robin, Bruce leaned down and pulled him into a hug. The bigger man's arms seemed to completely drown the young boy, but he returned the closeness all the same. For minutes upon minutes, the two remained in the hug not worrying about anything, but having found each other. Bruce finally looked down at Tim and saw the young boy had tears silently running down his cheeks.

"Son?"

"I'm SO sorry, Bruce. So sorry."

The older man put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Shhh, don't say anything just yet, go back to sleep and we'll be here when you wake up."

The young boy, too tired to argue, closed his eyes and seemed to fall asleep right away. Bruce, once certain Tim would be okay, stood and exited the room in silent steps. He had a cancellation to make and a family to contact.

Back inside the small room, the young boy cracked his eyes opened and stared into the darkness. "I'm sorry." He whispered to no one in particular, yet meant it to everyone that mattered.

~<>~

[Susie]

Well, goodness, is this story being updated? Yes sir, it is! orry about the laspe in post, but it's college time and that means homework time.

So, here's thenewest part. Reviews are very nice.

BTW- things in // are flashbacks in choppy pieces- I liked it bettr that way.

~<>~

Bruce sat next to the young boy's bed as he had done so many times before. Tim was going to be move to Horizon in a little over three hours and the older man wanted to spend this time with him. He regretted having to make the decision, but it HAD to be done. The family had done a remarkable job of keeping their eye on Tim, but they needed to move on.

He didn't want to sound like he was pushing Timothy aside and trying to forget about the boy- he would NEVER forget him, but he knew that if they were to ever survive they HAD to move on. It was a horribly tough decision, but it was what had to be made.

Bruce sighed and held onto Tim's hand- he no longer really spoke to the boy, but let his companionship speak in volumes through touch and closeness. The Batman had always been a man of few words and, right now, Bruce didn't even know what he would say.

The young boy rolled slightly in his sleep and the older man prayed that he wouldn't wake up in his strange crazed state. Every time that happened, Bruce felt his heart break and he knew, right now, he couldn't handle it. Tim continued to move and the dark-haired man tightened his hold. Then, in a moment so pivotal Bruce would remember it with fondness for years to come, Tim opened his eyes and met his.

"Uhh...Bruce?"

For once, the older man was in complete shock and utterly silent. All the years he spent training to be Batman meant nothing now as he struggled to form words. "Tim?"

The young boy appeared to play with the words in his mouth and then blinked at his mentor, but said nothing. Bruce looked closely at Tim's eyes searching for something.

He asked his question again. "Tim?"

This time, the young Robin closed his eyes and nodded his head- it was all the older man needed.

In an act, that surprised and delighted the young Robin, Bruce leaned down and pulled him into a hug. The bigger man's arms seemed to completely drown the young boy, but he returned the closeness all the same. For minutes upon minutes, the two remained in the hug not worrying about anything, but having found each other. Bruce finally looked down at Tim and saw the young boy had tears silently running down his cheeks.

"Son?"

"I'm SO sorry, Bruce. So sorry."

The older man put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Shhh, don't say anything just yet, go back to sleep and we'll be here when you wake up."

The young boy, too tired to argue, closed his eyes and seemed to fall asleep right away. Bruce, once certain Tim would be okay, stood and exited the room in silent steps. He had a cancellation to make and a family to contact.

Back inside the small room, the young boy cracked his eyes opened and stared into the darkness. "I'm sorry." He whispered to no one in particular, yet meant it to everyone that mattered.

~<>~

Barbara and Dick both sat in the large living area in total silence. Bruce would come down the stairs at any moment and tell them it was time to say goodbye to Timothy. If the young redhead wasn't completely exhausted she would be crying, but tears no longer came to her eyes. The young man stared a particular spot on the floor without blinking.

A sight that was a first in Wayne Manor occurred. Bruce was running- no flying- down the massive stairs. He ran past the two young adults without so much of a look and into the kitchen. The two shared a look and then followed the older man's trail.

They found him on the phone nervously tapping his fingers. Suddenly he spoke.

"Leslie! I need you here, NOW!" He then hung up the phone and proceeded out the kitchen with Dick and Barbara in tow. This time he moved towards the Cave and took those stairs at the same speed he took the ones in the Manor. He stopped at the bottom and yelled to Alfred to come up stairs as well.

The butler looked at his 'son' and then headed up the stairs. Bruce turned and nearly ran into Dick.

"Uh, what's the matter?" The younger man questioned, and was almost frightened when he saw Bruce smile.

"He woke up."

Barbara was the first to comprehend and, without a word, turned and ran up the stairs in the direction of Tim's room. Dick and Alfred stood in silence until the doorbell brought them back to the present. Bruce moved past Dick towards the door to let Leslie in. Alfred looked at Dick.

"Did he say Master Timothy awoke?"

The young man nodded his head.

The two turned and also headed up the stairs.

~<>~

Leslie stood nervously in front of the Manor regretting the fact she hadn't brought her key with her- the waiting was killing her. Finally, the door opened and she saw Bruce standing the doorway.

"What it is?" The older woman feared the worst.

"He woke up. He actually woke up." Leslie's eyes widened and she moved past Bruce into the house.

She saw Alfred and Dick on their way up the stairs and followed them with Bruce behind. The doctor entered the room she was all to familiar with and saw Barbara already sitting with the lad. Leslie moved around and did the primarily checks to see if anything was different. She couldn't see anything and looked back at Bruce.

"Are you certain he woke up?"

The man nodded.

As if he knew the importance of coming back to consciousness, Tim's eyes opened. "Bru-uce?"

Instantly, everyone's eyes fell on their youngest and Bruce moved closer. "I'm here, son. I'm here."

The young boy smiled. "Said you would be."

Batman nodded. "Yes, I did."

Leslie suddenly came into Tim's focused and he struggled to place her name with her face. He let the confusion go and simply looked at the older woman's face. Even if he couldn't place her name, he trusted her instantly.

"Timothy, dear, how do you feel?" The doctor treaded slowly, not completely certain how or why the boy suddenly awoke and awoke with such comprehension. She didn't want to get her hopes up just yet.

"Tired, Leslie." ~Leslie, yes that was her name~ He remembered.

"I know you are, but I need you to stay awake for just a bit." The elder woman pulled out a needle getting ready to take a blood sample. Tim's eyes fell on the needle.

//Straps being pulled tightly against his wrist, legs, and stomach//

//Can't move//

//Needle being stabbed into the skin//

//Can't fight//

//Pain pulsing through body//

//Feels like fire//

//Can't escape//

//Screaming//

"NOOOOO!" Tim's voice caused Leslie to drop the needle. He pulled his body to a ball and continued to scream.

Leslie moved away from the bed knowing it was something she did that caused the boy such agony. Bruce moved put a hand on the young boy's shoulder.

"Shh, Timothy. Shh."

The lad's screaming lessened slightly, but the tremors in his body didn't.

//Laughing//

//Hideous laughing//

//"What's you name, sonny?"//

//Pain//

//"I just want your name."//

//The needle plunged into his arm again//

"I didn't mean to. I didn't want to tell him." Fragmented statements had now replaced the screaming. "He forced me. I didn't want to. I didn't mean it. I'm sorry. Sorry. So sorry."

The tremors began to increase with each incoherent statement. Bruce looked at Leslie, but she knew better than to get by the boy again with a needle while he was awake.

"It's okay, Tim. It's okay. There's nothing to be sorry about." Bruce had the strange feeling of deja-vu. "Just relax, please."

//"Please"//

//"Please, stop"//

//"Tell me, boy, and it will"//

//"Please"//

"Please, stop." Tears flowed, but exhaustion began to take its toll again on the boy. "Please." Tim's eyes closed and soon he was completely asleep. Bruce kept his hand on his shoulder, while the others just stared.

They didn't know what to do. It was true, Tim had regained consciousness, but now, they realized, the true horror began as he slowly relived the memories. Suddenly the family, felt even more useless then they had before. How could they help this boy- a mere child- that was suffering so?

~<>~

[Daughterof_Evil]

Okey, dokey, was the purpose of that post to MAKE ME BURST INTO RABID, INCONSOLABLE SOBS!?

I have to say, that was immensely beautiful, tragic, heartfelt, joyous, and disturbing. Anybody who loves Tim (and you know all the ladies here do) will be touched and utterly heartbroken by this. Everyone is so full of hope, even Tim himself, but they can't help him forget the terrible things that have happened to him. Thank you for this moving post.