Chapter 19

A rare sunny morning bathed Gotham in an unusual glow, casting dark shadows across the bustling streets. Inside Gotham Elementary School, the halls buzzed with the kind of energy only sugar-laden cereal and a lack of Ritalin could provide. At the end of Hallway C, the infamous classroom known to staff and students alike as 3Q hummed with life.

At the helm of this chaotic corner stood a familiar figure, Harley Quinn. She bounced to the front of the room, clapping her hands.

“Alright, my little ones,” she said, her voice bubbling with excitement. “Time to settle down, my sweethearts! I’ve got a surprise for you today.”

A dozen third graders, some missing teeth, others just missing attention spans, quieted down. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Harley twirled a finger in the air and sang out, “Now, don’t freak out, don’t scream, and definitely don’t throw anything, unless it’s a compliment, that is. Because today, our guest reader is ... drumroll, please...”

The kids eagerly pounded their desks, the sound echoing through the room.

Suddenly, the lights flickered. The door creaked open. And in stepped, no, glided in, a tall, pale figure wearing a purple pinstripe suit, green vest, and that unforgettable face: a chalk-white grin stretched impossibly wide, eyes gleaming with madness and mischief.

*Mr. J.*

“Hellooooo, children!” he said with exaggerated cheer. “Uncle J’s here for storytime, and oh boy, have I got a tale for you...”