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Past

A sigh vibrated through her when she saw him.

At first she paid no attention to him as she stood in the market. She casually looked at the food as he piled some into a bag. His profile held familiarity.

"Do I know you?" she asked as he handed coins to the selling woman.

His gold eyes swiveled to her fearfully and she was struck with recognition. He backed away and held up his hands.

"No you're wrong." he stated as the scar around his left eye confirmed her thoughts. Does he not remember me?

"You're…" she start to say as he turned and fled. The words died on her lips.

Her hazel eyes felt heavy as they trailed after his form. She remembered to inhale as he rounded a corner and she brushed her bangs aside as well as to brush calming fingertips on her pulsing head. Adjusting her blouse and her mind, she broke the sudden revere with a sprint. Her breath grew haggard as she turned the corner. Nothing.

She glanced towards the shadows and shook all over. She placed her convulsing body against the wall. The hard building lent little comfort, but it managed to steady her.

As she collected her wits she reasoned why this phantom appeared before her. She rotated so now her back leaned against the wall, closed her weary eyes, and rubbed her skin prickling with disappointment. A voice chimed throughout the hall and her ears turned towards the noise. She forcefully composed herself.

"Hello" she heard herself say as she looked in the direction he would appear.

"Song!" A woman called.

Song sagged with a curious mixture of relief and disappointment.

"I'm here mother." she said positioning herself near the exit.

"What are you doing in there." her mother asked. Her own tired eyes locked with her daughter's. "You're all I have left." she gently reminded her.

Song nodded.

Her mother's unwavering concern unnerved her and she turned away.

"What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Song flinched, but continued to look towards the shadows.

"I thought I saw someone."

"Well come along. It's getting to dark." Song felt another sight penetrate her as she slowly faced the exit. As she turned she swore a pair of gold eyes met her's. Trembling she touched the uneven short hair feeling self-conscious. Perhaps he couldn't recognize her now. Her mother wrapped her arm around her shoulders and steered her out of the alley.

She knew she couldn't possibly escape the motherly prison, and she knew she couldn't pursue him. Their time was past.

Author's Note:

Tsk. tsk. My muse must be on holiday. This bit of writing came from watching the new episode Lake Laogai on You Tube. My God that was a great episode! A lot of characters seemed to have grown their hair and it made me wonder what would happen if the opposite happened.

What if Zuko couldn't recognize Song? Then viola this piece came about. I hope this piece was enjoyed.

Nuclear Kitty