After the war everyone spent the first few weeks together in Ba Sing Se, but Toph had known that sooner or later everyone was going to have reasons to leave.
Zuko and Mai were the first to go, after all he had a nation to run. Shortly after Zuko was Aang, he was the Avatar after all. He was a very important part of rebuilding their society. Of course when he left he took Katara with him. She had been on cloud nine since Aang's battle with the former Fire Lord. Not that Toph really noticed . . . or cared.
Sokka and Suki hung around the longest, but with each day they grew more restless. Sokka dying for some action or adventure, and Suki eager to check on the Kyoshi Warriors. As each couple left Toph had less reason to stay.
She was sitting at their usual table in the Jasmine Dragon when Sokka plopped down next to her. She could tell by his body position and posture that he was anxious about something. She immediately frowned knowing exactly what was coming.
"Hey Toph."
"Hey."
"Um . . . Suki and I have been talking and we've decided that we're gonna head back to Kyoshi Island. We're leaving as soon as possible."
Toph nodded. "That's good I guess."
"Yeah." The pair sat in silence for several minutes until Sokka spoke again. "Well, I'm gonna go help Suki pack up our stuff. Do you need anything?"
"Do I look like I need anything?" She snapped.
"No."
"Toph, maybe you should . . ."
"Should what?"
"Never mind. I'll see you around."
Toph planted her feet on the stone floor and watched Sokka move through the crowded tea shop, then into the city. She stayed in the same chair until the crowd died down and Iroh came to sit with her.
"How are you my friend?"
She shrugged.
"It seems that everyone is leaving to find their place in the world."
"Everyone except me."
"And why is that?"
"I don't want to go home."
"I'm sure your family misses you greatly."
"Maybe, but I don't know if I can go back to that boring life after everything I've done."
"You have done great things, but don't underestimate the joy of a simple life."
Toph nodded. "Thanks." A group of young women walked in and Iroh stood up.
"Back to work. Good luck."
He patted her hand and walked over greet to his newest customers. Toph gulped down the rest of her tea and wandered into the streets of Ba Sing Se. She wasn't sure how long she walked, but she knew it was late when she got back to the house that had been designated as their residence. She stepped inside and called out to her friends.
Sokka and Suki were probably out gathering up supplies for their trip back.
"It doesn't matter." She told no one. "I'm so over Sokka, so done with this place and so ready to move on." She ignored the slight twinge in her chest hurried into her room. She began throwing things into her bag as fast as she could. She'd stay the night then say her goodbyes and head back home in the morning.
Alone.