Hi, folks! Thanks for stopping by to check out this new chapter.

First off, I want to give a shoutout to Shivisdivis and Kataang4eve for literally reviewing every chapter of this story so far. You two are lovely and I thank you! And all of you who are taking the time to read this story and review, my heart is glad.

This is just a little snippet of a chapter but it's important. Don't be too upset about the length because we'll be back in action next week with a regular length chapter.

Enjoy and please review! Helps me know if you all are liking the story in general and the individual chapters. :)


Zuko pulled up to the tall, red brick building and turned off his car. It was overcast and humid, with a foggy haze settling over the trees. The heavy atmosphere around him weighed down on his chest and he glared up at the angry, dark clouds. It figured the day would be as gloomy as he was.

He knew there wasn't a real reason for him to be so moody. But something had settled in his stomach...a feeling that the meeting today might not be a good one.

He made his way to the entrance and walked through the automatic glass doors. He dropped his wallet and keys onto a conveyer belt and walked through the metal detector. Just like every other week, he was allowed through with no problems. He then took the elevator up several floors, arriving in a small waiting area where a receptionist sat behind a desk. He dropped his ID on the desk and signed in. Momentarily, the woman behind the desk smiled at him as she returned his license.

"Good to see you again."

Zuko nodded, giving a tight lipped smile in return before heading down another corridor. Then he entered a second waiting room and took a seat. This was always the hardest part...waiting. It was agonizing but he was willing to endure it. He absently stared at his phone, scrolling through news articles and replying to emails, trying to pass the time and avoid his troublesome thoughts.

After a few moments, a nurse opened the door. She gave him a gentle smile as she waved him over to the door.

"The doctor confirmed he'd be here today so if you have any questions, make sure to ask. "

Zuko nodded, relieved that a face to face conversation was finally happening after weeks of playing phone tag.

He was led to a private room that was modestly furnished with a desk and several chairs. The nurse joined him along with the doctor and a new person he'd never seen before.

"Welcome, Zuko. How have you been?" the doctor asked cordially.

"Okay," he shrugged. Truthfully, sitting in that small room with three people staring him down was making him nauseous. But now was not the time to focus on that.

"Zuko, this is our resident psychologist and she'll be in our meeting today."

Zuko absently nodded, shaking the proffered hand but looked back at the doctor.

"Has something happened?"

"No, but we like to take precautions."

Zuko's heart raced as he looked among the group of professionals. "Precautions? What for? Just tell me what's wrong!" He didn't intend to sound so on edge but he'd already come into this meeting fearing the worst. Now it seemed to be coming true.

The doctor sighed as the psychologist spoke up. "There's nothing wrong per se. We're beginning to see more emotional expression and it's primarily indicative of a depressive episode."

"Sadness and crying." the nurse paraphrased. Zuko's gaze flitted to her and his eyebrows drew together.

"Why? There's been nothing for so many months. What's bothering her? Has she said anything yet?"

"No, but we already discussed the fact that language may never return." the doctor reminded him.

Zuko nodded. "I know. I just thought that maybe...nevermind." He released a heavy sigh. "Can I see her?"

The doctor and psychologist shared uneasy glances.

"We think it'd be best if you don't. She's been having a rough day and we don't want to trigger her."

Zuko felt anger bubble up. He didn't like the condescending tone in this woman's voice or the insinuation behind her words.

"Why would I trigger anything?" he tried to keep his voice calm but he knew his frustration had seeped in.

"It seems something related to you was what set off her episode today." the psychologist replied. "I was talking to her about some photos of the two of you. Halfway through our session, she became agitated and tearful. I tried to get her to use her picture cards or gestures to communicate but she refused."

Zuko's eyes widened. Maybe this turn of events wasn't bad. Maybe it was a sign.

"What if...is it possible she's starting to remember me? Could that be what's upsetting her?" He hated how hopeful and desperate he sounded but he couldn't help it.

"We're not ruling it out because she's never displayed this behavior before. But you shouldn't get your hopes up either."

The nurse placed a hand on his arm. "If you would really like to see her, we can ask. She may like some company."

Zuko paused before shaking his head.

"No, it's okay. I don't want to make things worse. I'll wait until next time. Maybe she'll be in a better mood. But, can you read this to her?" He handed the nurse a folded piece of paper and she took it, nodding.

"Of course. She always enjoys your letters. This may cheer her up." The nurse smiled encouragingly and he found himself giving a slight half smile back. Normally her sunny disposition would grate on him, but right now it was comforting. He realized her demeanor reminded him of Katara.

"Anything else?" he asked and the psychologist turned to him.

"She's been adjusting well to our staff changes and seems to enjoy sessions with the language pathologist too. Hopefully we can figure out what's behind the new behaviors." she explained.

Zuko nodded, his chest tightening. He felt emotionally raw and suddenly wanted to leave.

"I'll be meeting with her weekly just to talk to her and assess her mental state. We wanted to make sure you were aware of that. If you have any questions for me or about our sessions, please feel free to ask."

Zuko nodded. "I will. Thanks." He got to his feet first and reached for the door handle as everyone else stood.

"Thank you for your time. You've been a very stable presence for her and that's good. I know this is hard for you but you're not alone. We're here to help." The doctor placed a warm hand on his shoulder.

Zuko nodded, a lump forming in his throat. "Thank you for keeping me informed. I'll be back next week."

Then he turned and headed out of the room as quickly as he could.

He resisted the urge to sprint through the building and to his car. Instead, he walked briskly, stopping only to check with the receptionist about payment. She told him he was paid up for the next six months and he arranged to be notified when he needed to submit the next payment.

Finally, he was outside and then he broke into a jog. His car was only a few feet away.

As soon as he was safely in the passenger seat with the doors locked, he leaned his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes. The burning sensation behind his eyelids finally took over and tears spilled down his cheeks. He hated that he was so emotional when he left each week, but moreso today. He wanted to believe things would get better but a small part of him was expecting the worst. He slammed his fists against the steering wheel, a frustrated groan escaping his lips. He didn't think he could take much more of this.

The entire process had been difficult, but he couldn't deny the hope that was rising up inside. Her memories might return. They might actually have a prayer of rebuilding what was damaged so long ago. He'd felt anger and resentment toward her for so long, but deep down, he still longed for a connection.

Momentarily he swiped at his eyes, sniffed, released a shuddering breath, and started his car. That's when he noticed a text message on his phone. It was from Katara.

Hi! Hope you're having a good day! :)

He couldn't help the smile that formed. Just picturing her made his day brighter. And her timing was impeccable. She was simply amazing.

He vividly remembered how they'd gone out for a quick bite at a bistro downtown the night they'd rehearsed together and kissed. She'd been nervous but they eventually talked more about the show and rehearsals ending soon. That helped them both calm down.

The night had ended with him dropping her back off at her car in the studio parking lot. They'd said goodbye and he'd wanted to kiss her again so badly. This time he asked her permission and he remembered the way her eyes lit up as she nodded. He'd enjoyed that kiss just as much as the others. Afterward, they'd hugged and then he'd watched her get in her car and drive away.

He was surprised to feel the hint of sadness surface within him knowing he would soon be seeing so much less of her. But he fully intended to make sure that the night of the show wasn't the last time he ever saw her.

He read her message again and sent her a reply:

It's much better now.

He shook his head and smirked as he set down his phone. He didn't know how she did it, but she had the uncanny ability to brighten even his darkest moments.

One day soon, he'd tell her just how much better his life was with her in it.


A/N: Again, I know that was short but the events here will become more clear later on. You just wait and see! ;) Please let me know what you think and if you are having any feelings. Have a great weekend! :)