Breaking Point (AFS #41)

By NostalgiaKick <feli290412@gmail.com>

Rated: G

Submitted: June 2017

Summary: Reeling from his exposure to Red Kryptonite and trying
to cope his broken relationship with Lois, Clark comes to terms
with his own limits of the mind and heart. Part 41 in the
author's "At First Sight" series.

Story Size: 409 words (2Kb as text)

Disclaimer: All recognisable characters, plotlines etc. are the
property of DC Comics, Warner Bros and December 3rd Productions.

***

Everyone has their breaking point.

I've always considered myself to be a strong person- mentally,
as well as physically. I've had to be, to do what I do.

Is it possible that I've finally reached mine?

***

The payroll truck was bad enough.

Since becoming Superman, I've never stood idly by and let a
criminal commit a crime.

But that's exactly what happened yesterday.

I could have stopped the payroll truck robbery, but I didn't.

And then today...

Today I let Perry White be kidnapped.

Perry is my friend, and more. I owe him an incredible amount, as
both Clark Kent and Superman. He took a chance on Clark, and in
doing so changed my life forever. He welcomed an unknown alien
with powers that send some people running for the hills, and in
doing so laid the groundwork for the reception Superman received
from the rest of the world. He's defended me, saved me from
prison, advised me, and always- always- believed in me.

How could I let them take him?

What is wrong with me?

Could it be stress? Is it possible that the strain of everything
that I do on a daily basis- juggling two lives, what I see and do
as Superman- has finally caught up with me? There's no denying
that the last few months have been more than ordinarily taxing.
Mayson's death, my relationship with Lois- which seems to be
becoming more complicated and painful by the day- and Lois's
relationship with Scardino; it all adds up.

Maybe Lois is right. Maybe I do need to speak to a psychiatrist.

If I can't get on top of this- if I can't protect the people
and things that need protecting- then what good am I? I created
Superman so I would no longer have to stand by when things went
wrong, but in the condition I'm currently in, I'm worse than
useless. If I can't do what needs to be done, then how can I
continue to be Superman?

I can't.

THE END