Sokka touched the back of his neck in guilt. He knew he shouldn't have told Aang, but he felt like he didn't have a choice. Besides, he would have found out anyway. What if they didn't find him? It would be all his fault…his sister would never forgive him, and he'd have to see her depressed, all the time.
Katara looked up, and she could see storm clouds in the distance. Just what we need, a storm. She thought to herself. But she couldn't focus on anything but finding Aang. The forest was getting a little thinner, reminding the two they were getting farther and farther away. They began to see a path. It looked like it was wore in, by someone hitting the ground hard. Aang. Katara and Sokka followed the path, and just as they were getting close, rain began to pour. A few claps of thunder.
Aang shivered. Bitter ran began to fall, and the cave was not enough protection. He began to feel guilty about running away. Katara would find out. But he was too scared…too scared to turn back now.
Katara glared at her brother. "Sokka, why did you do something so stupid! Aang could have waited until we got there! But no, you had to tell him now! I should have known…." Sokka stayed quiet. He barely said anything, except a very quiet "I'm sorry…" But Katara didn't even hear him. It was frightening when she yelled.
Finally they were out of the forest, and Katara could see an open cave. She could hear very soft crying. She smiled in relief, but her smile quickly faded. He was finally starting to feel better, and here he was, crying again.
Katara approached Aang slowly, and Sokka stayed behind. Kneeling down beside him, she said in a calm, quiet tone "Hey…we were worried about you, Aang." Looking him over, she asked "Are you okay? You're not hurt?"
He didn't respond. He wiped his eyes and turned away so his back was facing her. She frowned, and in a shaky voice, asked "Aang?"
Finally he spoke. He was angry, and scared all at once. "You hid all this from me, Katara." His words were cold. Katara bit her lip. "I had too. For good reason, Aang. Look, when Sokka told you, you ran off." Aang lowered his head in guilt when she said that. He wanted to say he was sorry for making her worry, but instead, said "I'm not going, Katara." Katara nodded, and put a hand on his shoulder. "I understand how you feel. We both do. But if you really want to help Kioshi Island, it's what we have to do."
Sokka finally came forward, and sat next to Katara. "I'm sorry…Aang. But if you do come with us, I promise…Kyoto, Katara, and I will all be there to protect you. I promise." Katara nodded. Aang didn't say anything. He just wanted to think about it. "Let's go back…" he said quietly. Katara and Sokka nodded in unison, and they all walked back together. Aang would have his answer in the morning.