I wipe my tears and start to walk. I don't know where I am going to go, and that one thought scares me, but I keep moving. My pain starts to become unbearable, so I rest against a tree. I see kids running around and merchants selling fruit. My stomach grumbles, but I have no money. There is no way I'd be able to buy even one apple, but maybe there's a different way. A way to make money, perhaps? I walk around a bit and find an old, worn hat. I put it in front of me and start begging. I hate every moment of it, though I do get a few gold pieces here and there. I use all of it to purchase the food needed for my trip. Then, I get an even better idea. I walk away through the woods to a clearing nearby. I take up the stance that my father taught me and practice the moves he showed me. I continue to practice Firebending even though my arm pains me greatly. It takes a month, but I eventually master the moves needed to earn some money. I take up my hat and walk back into town. I place my hat on the ground and begin to juggle three fire balls. People stop walking and turn to look at me. They are in awe over how a four year old boy could do all of this. They throw coins, mostly gold and silver, into my hat. All the while, I keep bending until the hour grew late and everyone else went home. I pack all of my money away and take up my hat. I was prepared to leave when a young man, around the age of twenty, approaches me.

"Hello, little 'un. Why, may I ask, are you alone?" he asks.

"My parents were killed by four men. One of them burned me," I reply, hardly able to keep the sorrow from my voice.

"Oh! I'm sorry to hear that. Hear, why don't I help you out?" he offers.

"Help me?" I question.

"Sure! I'm a merchant here! I could supply you with food and clothing. Maybe I'll even supply you with work over at my store. How's that sound?" he continues.

"Great!" I reply excitedly.

"One more thing," he says.

"Yes?" I ask.

"What is your name and where are you from?" he asks.

"My name is Shen Zhu and I am from the Fire nation colonies in the Earth Kingdom. My mother was Earth Kingdom. My father was Fire Nation," I answer.

"I see. Shen Zhu? Nice name. It means Spirit Wish, did you know?" he asks.

"No, but thanks for telling me," I answer.

"You're welcome," he replies.

He leads me to his home and allowes me to stay in the guest room. He tells me that his name is Jenju. He gives me some food and water and allowes me to rest. The next day, after breakfast, he leads me to his shop and instructs me on how to wash floors and dust the shelves. It is hard work at first, but I get the hang of it.

A few weeks later, I finally earn more than enough money to buy food and supplies for my trip. I buy what I need and bid Jenju goodbye.