Hi, guys! Sorry for the delay. This is a continuation of Blood. I really like this one. It's my favorite of 2009!
I think I cheated with this one, too. Even though Hotaru's name means 'firefly'.
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Today was the saddest day of the year. My birthday.
On Feburary 2nd, sixteen years ago, my mother died after giving birth to me. Ever since that day my father, Fire Lord Zuko, has not looked at me. Not hugged me, not even said I love you to my face. He would only talk to me about my studies or fire bending lessons (which I weren't very good at).
I put my robe on to go out for some air. It was chilly out even for the Fire Nation. I tip toed down the hall and out onto the garden. And by a patch of tiger lilies was my father.
I gasped.
He didn't move or flinch, not even blink. We stayed like that for almost a minute. I frowned. "Why do you ignore me?" I asked, not looking at him. Something just boiled over. I always wanted to ask that question but I never got the courage.
"Because you look like her," Father said, still gazing out at the garden. The answer came out of his mouth like he wanted to say it.
"Her? Who is 'her'?" I demanded. I searched through my mind, trying to find out what he was talking about.
"Her name was Katara," he replied.
That's my mother's name.
The reason why my father never looked or touched me more than once in my life was because I looked like a person he was to corwrdly to remember.
"Sorry."
"What?" he asked.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry for unintentionally killing your wife. I mean, does it occur to you that I miss her too? I grew up with no mom!" I replied, my voice rising. He didn't say anything so I swallowed my tears and continued. "I was just being born! I couldn't help it, Father! If I had my choice she would be alive. I miss her just as much as you do!"
I sniffed, now trying not to cry. "If I were you I would be happy you have one last connection to her,"
"What's that?" he asked, I could see tears in his eyes.
"Me. . ." I said and stormed out of the room.
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I woke up the next morning. I got almost no sleep. I knew he didn't care, he never did and never will. I opened my eyes and sat up looking at cloudless sky. I smiled.
I looked over at a red dress. I fingered the fabric and then picked up the book that lay on top. The book had a note saying:
Dear Hotaru,
I'm sorry that I treated you the way I did. I swear, it won't happen again.
I promise.
Love,
Your Father
