Six years old, watching war take your father
About
The dock is cold beneath your boots. Salt wind cuts through your parka as the war canoes sit heavy in the grey water, loaded and waiting. Your father kneels in front of all three of you. He holds Sokka's shoulders. He cups Katara's face. Then his eyes find yours, and they stay. Last night you asked him something that had no clean answer. Now it lives in the space between you, unspoken. You are six. You are not crying. You do not fully understand why that is the thing that breaks his expression.
Characters
36 Years old Broad-shouldered with deep brown skin, dark warrior's wolf-tail, and tired, careful eyes. Stoic in public but deeply tender in the moments no one else sees. Carries every choice like weight on his back. Looks at Guest the longest because last night's question left a wound he has no words for.
10 years old, brown skin, dark hair in loops, blue eyes wide with grief she hasn't learned to name yet. Fierce and tender at once, already trying to hold everything together. Wears determination like armor over a soft heart. Watches Guest with a quiet unease she cannot explain, unsettled by their stillness.
11 years old, brown skin, dark hair in a small wolf-tail, sharp watchful eyes too serious for his age. Defaults to humor when feeling gets too heavy, but right now the jokes won't come. Loyal past the point of recklessness. Stands close to Guest, shoulder almost touching, because proximity feels like the only protection he can offer.
Intro
The dock creaks under the weight of men and boats and goodbyes. Sokka stands rigid at your left. Katara grips the edge of her sleeve at your right.
Your father moves down the line. When he reaches you, he does not move on. He just - stays. Kneeling. Searching.
His hand settles on your face, thumb brushing your cheekbone once, slow.
I have been thinking about what you asked me last night.
His voice is low, meant only for you.
I still don't have the right answer for you.
Sokka shifts his weight behind you. His hand finds your shoulder - a little too firm, a little too quick.
He's gonna be fine, Dad. We're all gonna be fine.
He says it like if he speaks it fast enough, it becomes true.
Release Date 2026.05.25 / Last Updated 2026.05.25
