While the Jasmine Dragon and the Dragon Flower Shop were closed for the week, Ursa and her best friends got together at her family's impressive four-story estate. The magnificent mansion took up an entire city block all on its own!
It was a mix of traditional Fire Nation architecture and modern-day design. Moreover, it had a HUGE backyard! The yard was big enough to hold three greenhouses, one guest house, and a sizable pond—a prize-winning garden and a playground for the children to play.
All in all? Most of the city residents remained envious of the beauty of this estate. Thankful the family was generous enough to rent out the extra rooms to people down on their luck or who needed a place to stay for a short visit.
Three fashionable, alluring young women were seated on the screened-in patio enjoying tea. They could hear the sound of children laughing near the playground. The weather was ideal, and everyone felt a sense of peace.
The three young mothers inhaled the tea Lu Ten had made for them. Unfortunately, he wasn't as gifted as his father, Iroh. However, his tea was still tasty enough for an afternoon chat. Ursa sighed in ecstasy as she sampled her husband's tea. "Hmm, not nearly as heavenly as my father-in-law's tea. Nonetheless, it's made with love, and that's why its perfect," she replied happily.
"Well, it's not often we get to have panda lily tea. That a rarity for us," commented Sakiko as she sipped hers. "Hmm, I think a drop of honey would improve it. Do you have any?"
Xiaoying passed the honey over to Sakiko. "I find it delicious the way it is. Yet everyone has their own preference. Now, what would you like to speak about? Our husbands can only entertain the girls so much."
"Well, you mean your husbands. I'm divorced, remember? Good riddance to that swine!" Sakiko shuddered at the memory of the man who'd been her 'husband." "Honestly, why my parents thought they should play matchmaker, I don't know! But they're old fashion! Zhao is a grade-a bastard!
I'm more then happy to be rid of him. The only good that came out of it was my daughter. Because it's evident, he was a narcissistic, arrogant, coldhearted swine who only cared about himself!"
"True enough, finding a good partner these days is challenging. Especially since a vast majority don't understand how a successful human relationship works," Ursa replied as she set down her tea.
"Any relationship requires several vital components. For example? You'll need trust, honesty, good communication, flexibility, and attentiveness—active listening, compromise, and making time for your loved ones. Remember to ask your partner about their day. Furthermore, make sure you're actively listening to them.
Moreover, having compassion, empathy, and patience. That's another set of essential factors, as well. Finally, taking relationships slowly is best, and not rushing into things. Be each other friends first.
Instead of rushing in due to hormones, people need to see past the illusion bubble and see others for who they really are. Humans with flaws," Ursa enlightened her friends.
"True enough, Ursa. I also wish people wouldn't feel they're so entitled! No one is entitled to anything. These stupid stuck-up individuals need to get over themselves! Treat everyone fairly and use your common sense!" declared Sakiko. Her friends nodded, seeing how they'd heard many stories of entitled/narcissistic individuals.
"I find it extremely insulting when people who should've never had children have them for selfish reasons. Such as vanity, attention, or because they want a free paycheck. Too many people shouldn't be allowed to have kids!" Xiaoying replied in disgust.
"Nor should people feel they're obligated to have children. Only have children if you truly desire them. Plus, for the right reasons as the world is changing.
It's perfectly fine to be either single or married without kids. No one is obligated for either. And these old-fashion people need to get with the times already," Ursa pointed out.
"Well, we all desired children for the right reasons. Thankfully, we've been great mothers since none of us are stupid and entitled. So thank Agni for that!" Sakiko replied proudly, to which her friends nodded.
"Yep, also, people need to stop being so concerned about having a blood child. Family isn't about blood but instead love. Adopted children are still your family because you love them. After all, anyone can have a kid, but not everyone can be a parent—moreover, its stupid to think that your only true family is your blood.
Plenty of children need a loving home and parents. So we should consider them and not waste hundreds of dollars to have their own kids when there are plenty of other ways to have a family. If you genuinely desire children for the right reasons, that is." Xiaoying also pointed out sensibly as she refilled her friends' teacups.
The three mothers drank in silence for a few moments. Then Ursa spoke up, "How are your children doing? Tell me truthfully. Is Akiko overworked herself? Or how is Xiang doing? I'd like to know. Because I'm thankful, my in-laws closed their business for the week. I've been perturbed about my son's health.
While I'm proud, he never gives up. He still doesn't know when he's reached his limits. He shouldn't keep pushing past them. I don't want him to get sick because he is too stubborn to listen to his body."
"Well, I've also closed my cafe/boutique this week. Everyone needs rest, and I don't want my employees to drop dead, either. But, honestly, I'm not sure what caused all of our workplaces to be extra busy."
"I agree with both of you. I mean, sometimes Akiko doesn't know her limits any better than her sweetheart. It's enough of a struggle for her to try to balance two jobs, school, and friends. I've honestly wanted to give up one of the two jobs. I know she wants to pay her own way through college. But again, like you, Ursa, I don't want to risk her health!"
"As for my daughter? She's only eight, so she doesn't have to worry about a paying job. I still expect her to do her share of chores and keep up her grades. There is nothing wrong with installing a good work ethic. Still, everyone needs to know what their limitations are. And when to stop before the keel over!"
"Well, let's hope we can also give our children the mental health treatment they need. I've talked with my in-laws, and I agree with them. Some therapy would do wonders for the whole family."
"Perhaps, I should consider enrolling Akiko in therapy as well. She's got a lot of anger issues due to her 'father's' treatment. She also gets anxious quite easily. Perhaps talking to someone would do her good."
"Well, I'll let you know who we're seeing when my family gets through it all. For now? Let's finish enjoying our tea!" to which they all agreed.
Sakiko- Ming-Na Wen- Mulan
Xiaoying- Lucy Liu- Silvermist Tinkerbell movies
"He who digs a well gets himself inside."
