Work Text:
Dear Stranger,
For the next two months, apparently my English class is writing letters to imaginary strangers every few days. I was told we are supposed to introduce ourselves in the first letter, so here I go.
I'm in advanced English. I like skateboarding, photography, and coding. I'm a big fan of Batman, but Robin's my favorite. The current Robin specifically, but the old one was cool too.
We're also supposed to ask questions to "get to know our recipient" So, Stranger, what are your favorite colors? Where's your favorite Asian Restaurant? Least favorite rogue?
I don't really understand this assignment to be honest. What's the point of writing to someone who won't respond? And we are not even turning it in, just writing for 15 minutes. I think Mrs. Eliot just wants some time where she doesn't have to teach. But I need to keep my grades up. Last time I got a B, my dad was so upset with me, he cut off my allowance for a month. I think I'll just dump this letter on a rooftop.
That's all for now I guess.
Until the next time I'm forced to do this,
Tim.
P.S. Am I doing this write? This is how a Postscript works, right?
Dear Stranger,
Today we have to write a letter again. I asked Mrs. Eliot what's the point of writing letters to someone who will never respond, and she said that we should just pretend someone wrote back everytime and imagine what response we would get.
I told her that was silly, because why didn't we just write letters to actual people, and then she got really annoyed and told me to just sit down and write my letter like the rest of my class.
No one else had a problem with this assignment.
On the brighter side, my parents are taking me with them to Metropolis for a work thing. If I'm lucky I might be able to get some photos of Superman! Hes not as cool as Batman but I still like him.
Maybe next time I'll write about my trip
Until next time,
Tim.
Dear Stranger,
My Metropolis trip got canceled. My parents had a "change in schedule" and were not able to take me like they said they would. It is ok through. I kind of expected it to happen. My parents are busy most of the time but its ok because I know they love me. They just have busy jobs.
I did get to see Robin last night! He was sitting on a Gargoyle smoking a cigarette which I dont think hes supposed to do. Mom told me I should never smoke anything because it will kill you, but Robin smokes every few weeks and he's not dead yet.
I have a test in math next period, so I'm ending this letter early to review.
My teacher said we shouldn't end every letter the same so
Sincerely,
Tim.
Dear Stranger,
Apparently everyone else came up a name for their stranger. I'm going to stick with Stranger if that's ok, because it feels weird to change now.
It's been getting colder again, and I got a small fever a few days ago but I'm ok now. My mom was home from the trip, and she let me stay home for school, which she normally never lets happen.
I joined Photography Club at school yesterday, which is awesome because I've got access to editing softwares I've never used before!
Other than that, schools been ok. I'm doing great in math and science, but English is something I'm struggling with. I just don't why we need to read all these old books. Why do they even matter?
I don't think my teacher likes me very much. She's always annoyed at me, especially when I fidget. She hates fidgeting.
Most of the other kids don't like me either. They think I'm weird because I'm younger than the rest of them.
Write to you next time,
Tim
Tim,
I recently came across these letters and they intrigued me enough to respond. To answer the questions you posed in the first letter, my favorite colors are blue and red, I'm not a fan of Asian restaurants, and my least favorite rougue is currently Catwoman.
I understand your frustrations of being required to do a task that bothers you, and I respect your perseverance in continuing to complete this assignment.
I am also a somewhat fan of Batman and the Robin's. Though I do have to ask, what were you doing out late enough to see Robin on the Gargoyle you mentioned? Gotham is no place to be wandering around after dark.
Nether the less, I hope you don't mind my intrusion on your assignment.
With Regards,
Stranger
Dear Stranger,
Oh my god, someone responded. You responded. I didn't think anyone would find these, but I guess now I don't have to pretend anymore.
I probably shouldn't respond, in case of stranger danger and whatnot but I'm sure a random stranger in Gotham has my best interests in mind.
To respond to your letter (I can actually respond!), red is my favorite color, but greens a close second, since I never said so in my first letter. How can you not like any Asian restaurant? My favorite place is the one two blocks east of the library near the police station, they have the best ramen I have ever had, they season the broth just right.
Can Catwoman even be considered a rouge? She doesn't really do anything except steal, and they usually deserve it. My least favorite is the Riddler, because his riddles have gone down in quality over the years.
Also, who's your favorite Robin? Mine's the current one. The first one did lots of really cool tricks, but Robin II seems to relate to the victims more from the way he interacts with them. Plus, he's a lot cooler because I once saw him save grab a cat from the top of a building while eating a chili dog, and he didn't get anything on his clothes.
One more thing, you asked what I was doing out at night, but what were YOU doing out at night?
Hope you're not a pedophile,
Tim
Dear Tim,
I'm most definitely not a pedophile I can assure you. While you should definitely be wary of strangers, I would be willing to continue writing back if you feel comfortable. I have no alternative motive, I simply find writing letters a useful distraction from my job. Speaking of which, I was out late on rooftops as part of my job. You seem to have no such reason.
I like both Robin's equally. They both had their own unique personalities and I appreciate both of them for protecting our city.
About the Catwoman issue, while she may not be a rouge in a traditional sense, but she can be very annoying to have to deal with.
You mentioned struggling in school, has that continued? It's important to get a well rounded education. Have you tried seeing a tutor for English? It may help, it certainly helped my oldest.
Furthermore, how is photography club going? You seemed to be quite excited about it. I hope you are able to create better photographs with the new software.
Until next time,
Stranger
Dear Stranger,
A couple of things.
First off, I would love to have an actual human(?) to respond to. Screw stranger danger and all that.
Secondly, you have to have some sort of opinion on the Robins. Surely you like one at least a little more than the other.
Next, YOU HAVE KIDS? How old are you?? Continuing with that, I feel bad calling you stranger. Can I get your name, or something else to call you?
And finally, you've met Catwoman?? How? Did she still from you? Are you a jerk who steals artwork from their native countries?
School's been fine. Still struggling in English, but I'll figure it out. I was supposed to get a tutor, but my parents are out of town again so they can’t meet with the school.
Photography club has been AMAZING. Their cameras are way better than the one I've been using. The other students are also really nice and think my photos are really cool. They especially like the ones with Batman or Robin in them, so I've been bringing more and more of them in. Personally, I like my Gotham skyline pictures more. I love the way the fog seems to glow with the lights of the city. If NY is the city that never sleeps then Gotham is the city with Insomnia, it gets dimmer at night but still very much alive.
Sorry for rambling, I just really like photography.
Until tommorow I guess,
Tim
Dear Tim,
I do have kids. Two of them in fact. I'm not giving you my age or name due to privacy reasons, but you may call me B if you would rather call me something other than "Stranger".
I like both Robins completely equally. I have truly have no preference. They both have done amazing jobs.
And Catwoman and I have crossed paths before due to my work. No, I'm not going into more detail.
You've mentioned you're parents being gone before, do they travel often? Surely they must be home long enough to arrange for a tutor if you're truly struggling.
What specifically are you struggling with in English? My youngest quite enjoys the class, he may be able to offer up some helpful tips.
Moving to the topic of your photography, do you have many photos of Batman and Robin? It's hard to get a clear shot unless you get rather close. I've had friends who have tried. Also, I don't mind your "rambling" my youngest has a tendency to talk a lot about subjects he finds interesting, particularly literature.
I look foward to hearing from you soon,
B
Dear B,
My parents are out traveling most of the year. It’s ok though, they have a big job. They're going to be home next week before leaving for Australia, so at least they'll be home then.
I have a lot of photos of the Bats. It's easy to get photos if you're quiet and patient for a good shot.
Book reports are what I struggle most with in English. We recently had to read Great Expectations, and now we have to do a character analysis on the main charecter, Pip, and I have no clue where to start. I didn't really undertand what the book was even about to be honest. If your son is into literature, could ypu ask him if he's read it? I'd love to have some help.
But I have some good news! In Photography Club, my photo of Robin and Batman swinging from a building was chosen as one of the photos for the state photography contest! I really want to win, but I'm competing against some really talented upperclassmen. Mirandas photo of Robinson Park was amazing, and Bens shot of the constellation Orion was edited really well.
The results are announced in a month, so I have that to look foward to.
Have a great night,
Tim
Dear Tim,
My son J has in fact read Great Expectations, and I will ask him for advice to send to you.
It's great that your parents are going to be home, I hope you enjoy your time with them. By they way, do you stay with a friend when their gone? Could you ask them for help with your classwork? J is more than happy to help, but it would be more beneficial to be able to talk to someone in person.
In regards to your photography, I hope you do well in the competition, though I once again ask how you are able to get such clear photos of Batman and Robin? It can't be safe just going out and hoping to catch them swinging by.
Unfortunately I have some matters to deal with and must cut this letter short.
With regards,
B
Dear B,
I would be so thankful if J was willing to help me out with this. My essay is due in like a week and I'm going to fail if something doesn't happen.
Also, I don't stay with a friend. I'm old enough to be left home alone. This week my parents are taking me out to a work event, so that'll be fun I guess. The only downside is there isn't many other kids my age.
Getting pictures of Batman and Robin isn't that hard when you know where and when to wait. It's all about timing, and it's not that dangerous. I know basic self defense and I carry a knife on me, so I'll be fine.
The worst thing thats happened was my bus being super late due to one of Ivy's attacks downtown. I had to walk back home to be home in time to get a few hours of sleep.
Well, I have to go write my essay now.
Wish me luck,
Tim
Dear Tim,
B told me you were having trouble with English and asked me to give some advice. I figured it would be better to just directly write to you instead of going through B, because he would definitely mess something up.
Firstly, you have to understand where Pip comes from. He's a poor orphan who grew up in a harsh and unforgiving environment, yet continued to thrive. He always wanted to learn, showing his curiosity even when he isn't benefited by it.
You also have to look at where he goes and how he behaves after getting his fortune. He completely abandons where he comes from at first, avoiding those he used to be friends with as he is now "above them" as he pursues Estella.
Lastly, you have to realize that Pip does eventually learn that a person's integrity is completely separate from their social status, and that a person's honesty is worth more than their value, showing that Pip has gone through almost a circle of change.
I'm not writing your essay for you, as that's no help to your education, but I'll give you these three points as an outline. Expand upon those and you should be fine.
Best of luck,
J
P.S.
Robin II is one-hundred percent better than Robin I.
Dear J/B
Thank you so much! Thank you for taking time out of your day to help me with this. I would write more, but I REALLY need to work on my essay, so I'll keep it short.
B, tell J that while Robin II is definitely cooler, Robin I was still awesome even if he did go off to have an awful costume.
Thanks for the help,
Tim
Dear Tim,
J says he's always willing to help you with any academic issues.
Good luck on your essay,
B
P.S. My oldest, D, wanted me to tell you that he thinks the original Nightwing costume was amazingly designed, just not executed very well.
Dear Tim,
It's been a few days since your last letter. Are you doing okay?
Hope you're doing well,
B
Dear Tim,
It's been over a week now. Have I done something to upset you?
Stay safe,
B
Dear B
Don't worry, I'm okay. My parents just locked me in my room and forgot to unlock the door before they left for Europe. It’s my fault for breaking one of the good vases. It took me a few days to realize they had left, them I had to break the door down.
I need to go replace it, so I'll sign off here.
Sorry for worrying you,
Tim
Dear Stranger,
I am most definitely not putting this on a rooftop. This is going straight to the shredder once I'm done, I just feel like I need to write this all out. Writing has been strangely relaxing over the past few weeks. I think I'm going to miss it.
A few things happened since my last letter.
Bruce freaking Wayne showed up my doorstep. Apparently he had been wondering if I would like to come over and spend time with Jason, since there were barely any kids in the neighborhood.
We hung out for a while, which was amazing, and then Mr. Wayne asked if I wanted to spend the night. He asked for my parents phone numbers, and I told him they probably didn't have cell service. Me asked what I meant by that so I told him about how they rarely have service on their digs. He asked how often Mom and Dad were out of the country, and when he found out they were usually gone he made a strange face and then disappeared.
I was really worried that I had done something wrong and tried to leave, but Mr. Pennyworth insisted I stayed for dinner.
During dinner, Mr. Wayne came back and told me that he'd arranged for me to stay with him for the remainder of my parents trip. Apparently it isn't ok for adults to leave 10 year olds home alone for long periods of time.
So, I've been living with the Wayne's for the past day. It's been odd.
Jason was super excited, which I found strange, but he's really cool and smart. He's been helping me with English since he has friends in my class that tell him what we're learning about.
Mr. Pennyworth refuses to let takeout in the house, and makes dinner every other night, with leftovers being served in between. He has a big thing about minimizing waste. And, he doesn't let me out of the house past 8:30, so I've had to stop taking photos.
I met Jason's older brother, Dick (ha!). He's loud, but in a good way and gives really good hugs. He's been teaching me how to do a cartwheel whenever he is visiting.
I like it here. There's a kind of warmth in the house that makes me feel happy whenever I'm in it.
I'm glad I'm staying here.
Thanks for listening, Stranger.
Until next time,
Tim