The Only Hope

Book 1: Chapter 14

Dear Mother,

It’s been seven years today, and I really, really miss you. Not much time passes between the moments when my thoughts fall to you. I still can’t swim well, though I took lessons and can barely open my eyes under the water. I've nearly mastered air bending; Tenzin says I have less than a year or so. He is a great teacher, though I miss lessons with you. Do you remember the last picture we had taken of us? I keep it tucked safely under my pillow.

Can you see me momma?

I miss how you use to tickle my stomach, making me laugh so hard that it hurt. Now the tickling has stopped, but the pain has yet to cease. It hurts so much that sometimes I wish to cry, I try to; though no tears come. I believe I have cried them all from my body. Pema has told me many times that it is okay, but I know you didn’t enjoy seeing my pain.

Can you see me?

A possible war is rising up in the city. Maia, my last piece, is gone. I feel so lost… So alone. I try momma, I try so hard, but it hurts. I wish you could come home. I wish I could go home. Maybe, one day, we can see each other in the spirit world. I know it can be done.

Do you hear me momma?

 I am so scared of what is to come. I have never wanted you more as much as now. I leave a light on at night, wishing that you would put it out as you once did as you kissed me goodnight.

I love you so much, I miss you momma.

My eyes scanned over the note, as a slight breeze brushed across my face. I glance up; noticing far in front and below me the ferry had just gotten in. Mako, Bolin, and Asami were de-boarding as my eyes fell back onto my note. I tore the note up, holding the pieces in closed hands. I looked up, seeing everyone heading towards the dorms. I let out a long sigh, as a new breeze blew long strands of hair over my shoulders pushing my slightly shaking hands out, I opened my eye just in time to see the small ripped pieces floating away, out to the bay. I closed my eyes again, as the deep sharp pain rang through my core. I held a slightly shaking hand to my heart, wishing the pain would stop. It didn’t.

Later that day, I sat in my room, listening to my radio as folded my clothes. I re-washed them hoping to get the smell of the Bay out of them. It hadn’t worked. I was in the middle of hanging up my blazer when the new chief of police, what’s-his-name stated he would be working with Tarrlok. I froze, my hanger a mere inch from the rack, as I slanted my head towards the radio that rested on my nightstand.  As he finished his speech, the announcer came back on. I turned back to my blazer resting the hook of the hanger on the rack. I let out a sigh, and shook my head as goose-flesh rose up onto my skin.

That night, I walked the ground, my hands stuffed deep into my blazer’s pockets. I stopped, taking a look to the city. The city’s light shined off of the Bay’s water, and left Avatar Aang’s statue a mere shadow in the way. Though a beautiful sight, it did nothing to ease the constant, ever so throbbing pain in my chest.

“Hey Zabri!”

I turned from the city, as my hair flipped over my shoulder. I was met with Asami, Mako, and the voice who called out to me; Bolin. I took a few steps towards them, giving a small smile that I knew didn’t reach my eyes.

“Hey guys what’s up?”

“We’re looking for Korra, have you seen her?”

The pain in my chest eased a small bit, and I took a deep breath hoping to blow the rest away.

“No, not recently, but I think I may know where she is. Come, follow me.”

“KORRA! KORRA!”