There are many words to describe my uncle. Tea loving, Pai Sho playing, Tea shop owning, advice giving, Dragon of the West, and many more. Above all though, he's a great man. We couldn't possibly fit all of the above. So we chose "Beloved Uncle, Great Man."
The funeral was small. We stood by the grave, gathered in small bunches, huddling under umbrellas. To my left there was Aang, eyes red, holding a weeping Katara to his chest, trying to whisper comforting words in her ear, but falling silent, trying to stop his own tears from coming.
To my right stood, Toph, tears openly streaming down her face and next to her, Sokka and Suki, tears glittering in lines down her face as Sokka held her close. Mai was beside me, biting her lip so as to stop the impending sobs.
I felt my feet carry me forward, away from the shelter of the umbrella, towards Uncle's grave. I collapsed in the dirt, knees sinking into the soft ground. "Why did you leave me?" I taste salt mixed with the rain water.
Someone takes me by my shoulders, helping me out of the dirt, and back into the palace. Into dry clothes. A kiss on my still wet cheek. It's all a blur.
The weeks blend together since Uncle's death. Every day looking the same, with someone coming to try to get me to eat, to ask if I've slept. I can't do either though. I'm not hungry. And dreams of Uncle plague me every night.
I hear a soft knock at the door, and Aang lets himself in. "Zuko?" he asked, walking closer, "We… we found this," he held out a letter, "It's for you."
I took the envelope, thick and yellow, my name printed on the front. Aang leaves me alone with the letter after one last glance.
I know who this is from. I've known this was coming. My hands shake as I open the letter, unfolding it, scared of what I'll find.
Zuko,
I know you are sad that I've gone, but do not weep for me. Rejoice because I am free. I have many regrets, and I have made many mistakes. One of my regrets is you, Zuko. I know it is my time to go, and I am sad that I will leave you. But now I will see Lu Ten. Now I will be at peace. So please Zuko, don't grieve, but be happy for me. Carry on with your life. Enjoy what you have while you have it, because before you know it, it has slipped away.
With much love,
Uncle Iroh
I felt eyes watching me as I looked up, and saw six heads dart behind the wall. I smiled a bit, and wiped the streaks of water off of my face. I hadn't even remembered crying. I got up, sniffed and bit and walked out into the lounge, and was greeted by six people, trying to strike up a conversation.
"Zuko!" I heard Katara cry. She rushed up to hug me followed by everyone else.
"So, you finally decided to come out of your room." Toph said with a grin.
"You must be hungry," Katara said, dragging me into the kitchen.
"Starving," I answered with a smile. From now on I would be living out Uncle's advice. I miss him. But I have to stay strong, and take life head on. Like Uncle said, "Enjoy what you have while you have it, because before you know it, it has slipped away."