Water and Wind || Kataang

Chapter 22: Goodbye

Katara
When I woke up, there were tear stains on my pillow and although I don't remember them, I know she must have visited me in my dreams.

My face felt sore and my body ached. My nose was stuffed and my throat dry. Breathing felt like a difficult task I had to overcome. Although I had slept through the night, tiredness overcame me. I slowly lifted my head to scan the room. Confusion washed over me as I saw my room neatly organized. My head throbbed so I decided to lay my head on my already damp pillow. Apon making contact with the pillow, I smelled a familiar scent.

His scent still lingered on the pillow but he was not here. I quickly shot up and darkness entered my vision. I plopped to the floor, holding my forehead in the process.

„What happend?" A voice called out from the hallway. The door swung open and Aang rushed over to me.

„What happened? Are you okay?" He held my arms as I slowly lowered them and looked into his eyes full of concern.

„Tell me I had a nightmare. Tell me last night was just a bad dream, please." I pleaded with him. Darkness swept over his grey eyes.

„I wish I could." He held my arms as I stood up and pushed the hair out of my face. I wanted to speak but no words came.

„I have to go." I pushed myself out of his embrace and headed over to the closet. After opening and taking notice of it's emptiness, I turned to Aang.

„I know. I already packed all of your clothes." I lowered my arms and couldn't bring myself to look into his eyes.

„Just eat first." I nodded and followed his lead out of the room. The hallway seemed eerily quiet. Everything felt quiet. I don't know how I could overcome this sea of sadness. We came to the end of it and Aang took my hand in his as he opened the door. I felt him squeezing my hand as the light from the door opening washed over us. In what I presumed to be the official dining room sat Zuko and Kyiosana already enjoying their breakfast. Their focus turned to us or me, I guess.

Their conversation stopped and their eyes didn't leave my sight. Aang must have noticed as he squeezed my hand and lead me past the big dining table. I obliged and followed him into the kitchen. He closed the door behind us before turning to me.

„So they know?" The words left my mouth in a hurry. He cleared his throat and leaned his back against the wall.

„Yeah, I told them earlier. I hope that's okay. They were just asking about Nohran and the noise yesterday so I just ..." I pushed my messy hair back once more as I listend.

„It's fine. They would've found out eventually. You probably voiced it better than I could any way." It was true. I didn't know how I would describe it at all. It all felt so hollow.

„Well, are you- uhm are you okay?" I sensed doubt in his question. I lowered my head and contemplated his question. I didn't even want to lie and say yes.

„Its better to talk about it. Bottleling it all up inside isn't good for you. You will have so many emotions that you will eventually explode." He was right, I know it. I just didn't want to speak of it. I don't even know what I would say.

„But it will get better. It won't stay like this forever. The grief of losing her will reawaken as a new form of love." He stepped closer and the space suddenly felt so tight. I stepped away from him and shook my head.

„I know! You don't need to say all of at because I know already! You're not the only one who was lost someone before. I don't need you to give me all of this Avatar talk!" I don't know where all of this anger was coming from.