Part 12
Title: Souls Torn and Mended
An avatar the last airbender story^^
TW: Violence, Familial Abuse
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The day dragged on, and as sunset arrived with its hues, enrapturing oranges mimicking my own irises, my father returned.

Quietly he changed his appearance, and my mother and I sat dressed and ready to leave at the doorway for him. Not a word exchanged between us.

The walk into town was that of a funeral procession. Our barely hidden grim faces and heavy, worried hearts underneath a carefully crafted facade. My face hurt from the smiles.

"...Is there anything you'd like to see first, honey?" My mother tried her best to speak.

"Hmph." Was all the response she was given.

Ah, what would I give to escape this situation…

Smiling. Just keep smiling.

Once the end of the night came I could leave. I would be free, and nothing could hurt me ever again. Never again.

As the darkness settled in and the lanterns lit I found myself paying attention to the attractions more than my father's mood. My eyes cast from side to side, seeing the final day of the celebrations, and the beauty of everything coming into full bloom.