A Little Piece of Her
"Push!" Bolin screamed, feeling the crushing grip of his wife's hand.
"What does it look like I'm doing!" She shot back.
6 hours of labor and the baby was just beginning to crown. Korra pushed her hardest, verbally abusing her husband on the way. By the end of it all, Bolin was sure his hand was broken, but it all seemed worth it, because he was a father. When he the midwife took the baby in her arms, he turned to see his wife's face, expecting to see her consumed with joys. Instead, her eyes were closed and her mouth slack, the color from her cheeks fading. Another medic took the side opposite of Bolin and checked her pulse.
"She's gone,"
He couldn't believe it. He took his wife's face in his hands, still feeling the fleeting warmth of her skin.
"No..."
All he could do was sit there and hold her hand and hope this wasn't true. The midwife stood before them, his newborn son swaddled in a blue blanket. He reluctantly let go of Korra's hand and held the infant in his arms.
"Hey buddy," He cooed, in awe of his son's face. His only wish was that Korra could have lived long enough to see it.
"Daddy, look what I can do!" Kalo shouted from the other room. Bolin smiled to himself as he finished washing the dishes. He turned around and took a few steps to the open door way, a dish still in hand. Kalo's face lit up upon seeing his father.
"Watch this!" The small boy stared at a cup of water intently and began making precise motions with his hands. The water from the cup rose and was drawn to Kalo's hands. Bolin's eyes grew and he dropped the plate in his hand, shattering it.
"How...how did you do that?" He was barely able to get the words out.
"I found a dusty scroll in the attic. You never told I could bend earth and water, Daddy!"
In a flash, it all made sense. She had given birth to the Avatar. Tears began flowing as he took his son into a tight embrace. Kalo struggled against his father's grip.
"Let me go, Daddy! I need to practice my water bending!" Bolin complied to his son's wishes and Kalo went back to manipulating the small amount of water.
He knew he had to tell Mako. He knew he had to tell Tenzin. He knew he had to tell the White Lotus. And he knew, eventually, he'd have to tell the world. But it still made him happy to know he'd always have a little piece or her.