I've had a major urge to write some ATLA fics lately, and some friends gave me this idea. It was originally meant to be a oneshot, but I decided to make it into a short story, just for fun

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters in this story.

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Toph had always noticed as a child, that something was different about her

When she was young, she remembered hearing her parents' voices but never actually seeing them in person. She always woke up to darkness, even though it was broad daylight outside. People seemed to treat her like she was a fragile butterfly.

Toph never knew what was really wrong with her. Why did everyone treat her so differently? Sure, she belonged to a high society class, but even her parents took special care of her. The biggest mystery to her, though, was why she only saw darkness. She had never seen her own face, let alone anyone else's. What was wrong with her?

Then, on her 6thbirthday, her parents decided to tell her the truth.

"Toph honey, come here. There's something we'd like to talk to you about."

Toph followed her mother's voice into the sitting room, where her parents were. She plopped down onto a soft cushion that was conveniently located on the floor right in front of her.

"We have something we want to talk to you about dear. See, when you were born, we realized something important about you. Something that would change your life forever." her father started.

Her mother continued. "Have you ever felt like you are surrounded by darkness? Have you wondered why we are all so careful in how we treat you?"

Toph was shocked. It was as though they could read her mind. Instead of showing it, though, she replied. "Yeah, why?"

"We want to ensure your safety, Toph. We want you to grow up in a safe environment."

"But why, dad?" she cried, "Why are you so protective of me? I can take care of myself! It's not like I'm disabled or anything!"

"Actually, you are." her mother said sadly," You are blind, my child."

Toph fell silent. She was blind? Is that why she couldn't see her parents? Why hadn't anyone told her before? There was something she was forgetting though…

"Wait," she said, "if I'm blind, how do I always know where you guys are?"

"You are gifted with an acute sense of hearing. That is probably why you know where to find people. And everyone does step out of your way when you are walking, so you do not bump into them."

"But if I'm blind, how will I learn earthbending? It's a part of me, like you'd told me when I was 4. I have to learn, don't I?"

"We have thought about that, and, after much deliberation, have enrolled you in Master Yu's earthbending academy. He will teach you basic moves, so that you can learn, but stay safe at the same time. This way you will always be able to defend yourself." said her father.

She began to say something, but before she could, her mother interjected by saying, "Now, go on, enjoy your party. Lessons start tomorrow morning."

Toph left the room and suddenly realized that she would be 'looking' at life from a completely different perspective from now on.

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Comments are appreciated! Please tell me what you think.