""Thinking of Bruce kneeling here alone in the blood of his mom and dad - the cordite of the fired gun still fresh in the air … it takes everything I have to hold the tears back. So much loss. It's strange how in the end that cold, evil deed even dictated my own future. I see Bruce. I see me. And seeing those old wax spots on the cave floor a few weeks ago got me thinking about the oath I made to Bruce … and what it really means. The light from the candle didn't just help us see the words better that night … The light from this candle was a beacon for the wounded soul of a young boy … it helped me see a path of selflessness and devotion. Devotion to the common good. And this light must always shine no matter what. In those single life-altering moments … we both had to depend on the kindness of strangers. And lucky for us … they were caring and loving people … at the end of all that pain and horror. Thank you, Bruce. There will always be hope in Gotham City." (Nightwing #153, 2009; by Peter Tomasi)"