The One That Got Away | Kataang

Chapter 16- The Storm Within

Katara's legs pumped like pistons, each stride fueled by a mix of grief and guilt. Tears streamed down her face, blurring the path ahead. Where could she go? She had no room to go to since she and Tai were broken up now. She wanted to move into Toph's room, but she hadn't had the chance to ask her if that was okay just yet. With a desperate breath, Katara steered herself towards the lounge near Aang's room.

Bursting through the door, she slammed it shut behind her, the heavy door echoing the thudding of her heart. Collapsing onto the cool stone floor, she finally allowed the sobs to wrack her body. "He wanted to propose" she choked out between ragged breaths, the words tumbling over each other. The weight of Aang's unspoken question settled upon her like a physical blow. He'd planned to ask her to be his wife, to build a life together. A life that would have begun on his sixteenth birthday as she was supposed to become his fiancé on that day.

"If he'd never left..." the thought trailed off, a sob escaping her lips. If Arashi hadn't entered their lives if that fateful journey hadn't taken him away, they could have been married by now, a dream is woven into reality. The ache in her chest intensified. Why hadn't he sent the letter? A question that hung heavy in the air. But a part of her knew the answer. Lost in the chaos surrounding Arashi, consumed by duty and uncertainty, finding a way to send a message had likely become a distant thought. The pain of that realization was a fresh wound, a stark reminder of the circumstances that had driven a wedge between them.

Katara's sobs echoed in the lounge, a heart-wrenching melody of regret. The weight of Aang's unvoiced question settled on her like a suffocating shroud. He'd pictured a future with her, a future built on love and commitment, symbolized by the betrothal necklace. Yet, what had she done in his absence? A wave of self-loathing washed over her. She had let hope dwindle, replaced by a gnawing fear of loss. The silence stretched for so long, with no word or sign from Aang, that faith had crumbled. The once vibrant image of his possible return faded into a bittersweet memory.

And then, the most terrible realization of all: Tai. Shame burned in her gut. While Aang imagined a life by her side, she'd allowed herself to move on, seeking solace in another's company. Day by day, it seemed, Aang had held onto their connection, his love unwavering. The thought shattered her completely. Could she really have been such a terrible partner? Had she taken his love for granted, failing to see the depth of his devotion? The answer, a bitter pill to swallow, was a resounding yes. Aang's choked question, "Who is this for...?" reverberated in her mind. It wasn't just a question about the necklace; it was a question about their bond, a silent plea for reassurance. And she had failed him.

A new wave of realization crashed over her, a realization far more devastating than the guilt she already bore. Her mind flashed back to the moment she first laid eyes on Aang after his return, the words she had uttered, the way she had treated him. In his letter, Aang had expressed his eagerness to give her the betrothal necklace, to mark their enduring love and their shared future. And here, in this moment of reunion, was his chance, the perfect opportunity to reciprocate his affection, to solidify their bond. But instead, she had met him with resentment, her actions clouded by the tangled emotions of her past. She had seen the hope and anticipation in his eyes, the eagerness to rekindle their love, to take their relationship to the next level. Yet, she had failed to meet him with the same enthusiasm, the same certainty.

Her heart ached with a fresh pang of regret. She had trampled on his feelings, on his unwavering love for her, in the most vulnerable moment of his life. The image of his heartbroken face, his eyes filled with shattered dreams, haunted her. The tears flowed freely now, a torrent of self-reproach and despair. She felt unworthy of his love, of his devotion. He was too good for her, too pure, too unwavering in his affections. She had let him down, and she couldn't bear the weight of her own actions.