[12]

                                    

                                          
Sayuri had been promoted in her job and had rented an apartment out of the money she had kept saving for months. She was quite glad because she was one step closer to living an entirely independent and financially stable life in Gotham. And when she achieved that target, the first thing she had to do was to get Tim's custody.
                          
Even though she got along well with the Wayne family, but still the thought of having her brother live apart from her for the rest of his life was intolerable for her.
                          
However, she had arranged a little celebration party in her new apartment and invited all of the Waynes. Bruce had excused himself since he had to go out of country unexpectedly for a business trip, but the boys and girls were more than just pleased to come.
                          
Barbara and Steph had arrived early to help her with the arrangements but she had done most of the stuff herself already. The place was decorated and the girls had made a delicious assortment of food and delicacies, including Richard's favorite donuts.
                          
"Congratulations Sayuri!" the apartment burst in cheers upon the boys' arrival. Dick and Jay had bought party poppers with them which they had popped right on Tim's head, covering him with confetti from head to toe.
                          
The party was a success as all of them had a remarkably great time. By the end of the evening, when they were all leaving, Sayuri remarked, "I'm so happy all of you turned up here today. And I want you all to know that you're the best friends I could have ever asked for."
                          
"One of us wants to be more than just friends though," Jay whispered in Dick's ear which earned him a shove in the ribs.
                          
"And since you're all my friends," she resumed cheerfully, "all of you hold a special place in my heart and are welcome here whenever you like."
                          
Barbara raised her glass to toast the moment, followed by the rest of the guests. After a really long time, Sayuri felt as if she was truly happy, as if she was back at home at last with all the people who cared for her and were her friends.
                          
Tim seemed to have guessed what she was thinking, as he gently squeezed her hand, giving her a reassuring smile. She looked down at her little brother, overcome by the sincerity in his eyes. And at that moment, it felt as if just for that short time, she had succeeded in burying her past away and starting her life afresh.
                          
With her little Tim by her side.
                          
***
                          
It was the first time Sayuri had stepped in the GCPD. She knew Richard worked there and was hoping not to cross paths with him since it would be best if she got her work done there without letting Richard know. At the reception, she filed a request to see resident prisoner Jack Drake, mentioning her relation as his daughter upon being asked.
                          
After a while of waiting, she was ushered to the visitor's area and told that Jack would be brought over soon. Most of the visitor areas had glass windows separating the prisoner and the visitor, just in case if the prisoner happened to be much deadly such as serial killers or mentally deranged convicts.
                          
But in Jack's case, they simply brought him out, not releasing him of his handcuffs and allowed him and Sayuri to sit across from each other. An officer was positioned outside the room while the cameras were present to view them from inside.
                          
Jack's eyes widened in disbelief upon seeing his daughter in front of him.He had not been expecting her to turn up after so many years of disappearance.
                          
"Hi Dad," Sayuri's voice stuck in her throat, taking in his worsened condition.
                          
"Sayuri...?" he held his hands out for her to take, callous from prison labor and bound in handcuffs.