Sunset

As it happened, Azula had scheduled a visit with Kuma for the next day. Masanori insisted on coming. Suri Sun was agreeable to watch her granddaughter for a while.

"It's like this," Azula stated, "when Roka was born, it was the happiest time I can remember."

"That's to be expected," the therapist mused.

"But more than that," the princess continued, "my back didn't hurt, my feet returned to normal size...I was ready. But..." The words did not come easily. "Sometimes, I feel like I'm dying, like the pain gets so bad I don't want to live. Masa and I had a fight over it yesterday."

"You don't mean physical pain, do you?" Kuma probed gently. Azula shook her head. Kuma thought for a long moment. "I think I know what's wrong. Sadly, this is fairly common among new mothers."

"What is it?" Masanori was on edge. So was Azula, but she wouldn't admit it.

"It's this way, Princess: what you're experiencing is bouts of depression. Your body is adjusting to not carrying Roka anymore, or the hormones that went with her."

"Sounds too simple," Masanori said dubiously.

"Not so." Kuma shook her head. "Sometimes, this condition can be devastating." She turned to Azula. "And, if it must be said, given your previous mental problems, you're more vulnerable than some. You guys did the right thing, coming to me."

"Wonderful." Azula gnashed her teeth.

"It's not hopeless, Princess. I could never believe that with you."

"What can we do, Kuma?" Masanori inquired.

"I hear your uncle is good with tea, Princess. I'll bet he knows one or two that can help you out. Other than that, my best advice is to get back to your normal life. Surround yourself with loved ones and practice your firebending." Kuma smiled at that. "I know how much that helps you." She saw her cousin take Azula's hand on that. "The main idea is to focus on your life and its meaning." Kuma got up from her seat and went to her calligraphy desk. She quickly wrote on a scroll, blotted the excess paint and rolled it up. "And if all else fails, just read this." She gave Azula the parchment.

"Is there anything I can do, Kuma?"

"You bet there is, Masa." Kuma took his hand. "The same thing you always do: love. Love your wife and daughter."

Azula did not need to contact her uncle in Ba Sing Se. He was already in the Fire Nation. A day after the visit to Kuma, he arrived unexpectedly on Ember Island. Masanori was practicing firebending in the front yard when he spotted the old general. "Uncle!" He took an "Uncle" hug.

"Good to see you," Iroh said cheerfully.

"Where are Ming and Kai?"

"Enjoying the company of my great-niece and -nephew. That is why I came."

"Oh?" Masanori's face wore a puzzled expression.

Iroh gave a small chuckle. "Azula's birthday is very soon. It would be nice to celebrate all together."

"Yes, it would." Masanori took a breath. "We're actually glad you're here."

"Oh?" Now it was Iroh's turn to be puzzled.

"Let's go see Azula." They made their way to the backyard. Azula was seated on the ground, eating an orange and rocking Roka in a day-cradle. "Cat, look who's here."

"Hello, Uncle Iroh." Azula was polite, but in a cold way.

Iroh bowed. "Azula. Is anything wrong?"

"Right to the issue, eh Uncle?" I'm surprised. No convoluted parable? No spiritual musing?"

"I will take that as a 'yes,'" Iroh deadpanned.

Azula sighed. "You take it correctly, Uncle. Please sit down."

"Very well." Iroh sat down by Roka. "You do not mind?"

"No, she loves her great-uncle." Iroh grinned at that. Azula breathed deeply. "I've been having moments of irrational anger and sadness, even when nothing should be bothering me. Kuma says it's something new mothers go through."

Iroh nodded. "My wife-my first wife-had a similar problem. But we endured it, and I'm sure you will. If there is anything I can do..."

"Some calming tea would help."

Iroh smiled. "I have just the thing. It worked for my Makoto, and it should work now."

Azula nodded. Her gaze fell on Roka. "Isn't she beautiful?"

"She certainly is," Iroh said proudly.

"She's the prettiest girl in the world...next to you, Fire Cat."

"But, you didn't come here to listen to me gush, did you Uncle?"

"Not exactly," Iroh said genially. "We all wish to celebrate your upcoming birthday. Seventeen-years-old. A woman now."

"I haven't been a child in a long time, Uncle."

"It is a good reason to celebrate, nonetheless."

"Mmm," Azula mused, "I doubt Ming is for it."

"Oh...Ming has been cold, I know. But, things are different now. If it helps, she did not like Zuko, either." Masanori laughed at that.

"Very well, Uncle. But make sure Zuzu knows I'll only eat the finest foods. Anything less, I will consider the height of rudeness."

"I understand," Iroh said, rising to his feet. "I shall bring the tea quickly." He placed a supportive hand on Azula's shoulder. "Never despair, Azula. It will be all right."