Happy Father's Day
Mako had always hated Father's Day. Ever since his dad (and mom) had been killed by that firebender, Mako had never been able to stand the day. It always reminded him of what never was. Today was no exception-Air Temple Island seemed to be teeming with family and laughter, and everyone was celebrating their father; even Bolin joined in the celebration by helping the airbender kids make a present for Tenzin. Korra was calling up her parents, and Mako could hear her laughing and talking happily. After a while of sulking and wanting to punch everyone around him, Mako left the island and headed to an empty field just north of Republic City. It was lit by the dying sunlight; which turned the grass a golden amber color. Mako forced himself to walk past the rows of polished stones; all the way back to the final row. He sat down in front of a simple tombstone; with his parents' names engraved on it. Choking back tears, he bowed his head and began to speak.
"Hi Dad, hi Mom. It's been a while, I guess…so much has happened. Long story short, I met the Avatar and kind of became friends with her. I hope that's okay. We're trying to save the city from this guy named Amon, and…oh, I wish you two were here…" he trailed off and put a handful of red flowers on their graves-fire lilies, as they were called in the Fire Nation. A tear escaped his amber eyes, and rolled down his cheek. It wasn't fair. If his parents were alive right now, maybe…maybe they could help him. Maybe his dad could give him that crooked, warm smile he used to when Mako was a kid. Maybe his mother could tell him a story about when she was a little girl. But now, they weren't here. And Mako didn't get why they weren't. They had been such good people. Why had that firebender killed them? He shook his head. The past couldn't be changed. It had already happened, and nobody-not even the Avatar-could rewrite the past. But that didn't mean it still hurt.
"And Mom, I met this really great girl…she's amazing. In her own way, she's amazing. Sometimes she drives me nuts, but you would love her. She's fiery, and independent, and lives life to the fullest. You'd love her so much. I'm keeping Bolin in line, don't you worry. I'm watching over him." he paused, not knowing what to say next.
"I wish you two were here. Sometimes I get so confused, and sometimes, I get…scared." even saying the word made Mako want to throw up. He didn't get scared; he didn't get confused. But lately…lately, it seemed like that was all that happened. He swallowed a burst of tears. Sometimes he wondered what life would be like if his parents hadn't died. There were moments where he could imagine his father laughing, or his mother smiling. Brief moments where he knew that he was loved. But most moments, all that was left was that awful, empty pit in his stomach. That knowing that they weren't there to help him. That his mom wasn't there to comfort him. That his dad wasn't there to give him advice. He was alone…and it didn't feel good.
"I miss you, Mom," he said, kissing his fingers and touching them to the grave.
"I miss you too, Dad."
After nodding respectfully to the graves, Mako stood, sighed deeply, and walked back down the hill to Air Temple; still hating Father's Day.