Chapter 4:
Lullaby
Hello everyone! This is an idea I've had for a while and I've finally gotten around to writing it. This one takes place a few weeks after Tenzin was born. I think every parent has struggled with getting their child to go to sleep at that age. Hope you enjoy! Let me know if you have requests, I'll see what I can do. :)
Ever since he was brought home from the hospital, Tenzin had done nothing but cry. Katara and Aang knew that all babies cry at that age, but Tenzin had yet to stop. Both parents spent many nights trying to get him to go to sleep but were unsuccessful.
Kya and Bumi were also affected by their baby brother's restlessness. They would often complain to their parents and beg them to give Tenzin to someone else. But Aang and Katara didn't think about it for a second.
Like all their children, Tenzin was their pride and joy. No matter what he was like, they would love him all the same. Late one evening, shortly after Kya and Bumi had gone to bed, Katara and Aang talked about solutions for Tenzin.
"We could try taking him for a short fly around Air Temple Island," Aang suggested.
Katara shook her head. "No, it's too cold out. I don't want him to get sick."
"Alright, how about we give him some candy if he promises to go to sleep?"
Katara rolled her eyes. "That will only make things worse. Candy is full of sugar and that will keep him up for hours.
"We're running out of options here," Aang sighed.
"I know. I want him to go to sleep just as much as you do. But I can't think of a probable solution."
"What did your mother do for you when you couldn't sleep?" Aang asked trying to stay awake.
"Well, when I was a little girl my mother used to sing a lullaby to me. Her sweet, soothing voice always made me drift off to sleep."
Aang gave a small tired smile. "Then why don't you try singing it to Tenzin."
Katara laughed. "I haven't heard that lullaby in years," she said. "I barely remember it.
"It's worth a shot. Unless you enjoy hearing constant cries all night long.
Katara couldn't argue. They had tried everything and this seemed to be the only possible solution left. She got out of the bed and walked down the hall towards Tenzin's room. She could hear his cries from a mile away. When she entered the room, the crying got louder. Katara approached his crib and picked him up.
"Sshh, sweetie, its ok mamma's here," she whispered. Tenzin continued to cry as Katara gently rubbed his back with her hand.
"Would you like me to sing you a lullaby?" Katara asked.
Tenzin looked at her still teary eyed and screaming.
Katara opened her mouth and began to sing the tune from her childhood.
Slowly, Tenzin's crying began to cease and his eyes closed. Katara rocked him gently in her arms as she sung the second verse of the song. By the time she had reached the chorus again, Tenzin was asleep. At long last, their efforts had prevailed.
Katara smiled as she held her son in her arms. Many people might say that endless nights like this were a burden, but to Katara it was a blessing. As she held her son in her arms, a small tear fell from her eye. He was so beautiful. They were all so beautiful.
Katara then placed Tenzin back into his crib and covered him with a blue blanket. Before leaving, she knelt down to give her son a kiss on the forehead.
"Goodnight sweetie," she said. "Sweet dreams.
Katara made her way back to their bedroom, a feeling of accomplishment in her heart. When she entered the room, Aang opened his eyes.
"Success?" he asked.
"Very successful," she said proudly.
"I had a feeling that might work."
Katara climbed into bed and scooted closer to her husband, wrapping her arms around his body.
"I'm glad you suggested it," she whispered.
"Now we can finally get some rest," Aang murmured.
"Indeed."
Aang leaned forward and gave Katara a soft kiss on the cheek. The waterbender smiled when she felt his touch. Overcome by feelings of gratitude, she couldn't help but stay awake.
"Aang?" she said.
"Yeah," Aang mumbled tiredly.
"You're the best husband I could have ever asked for."
Aang opened his eyes and gave Katara another kiss. "And you are a true blessing," he said. I don't know what I did to deserve you."
"You saved the world, you everyone hope, but most importantly you gave me you."
"I think Tenzin is going to have a wonderful childhood," Aang said.
"That's because he has a wonderful father," Katara said smiling.
"No. It's because he has a wonderful family."
For the rest of the night, Tenzin remained asleep. Katara had succeeded in her quest. Now she could sleep as well with the love of her life at her side.
Please Review!