She enters his study. A thin layer of dust covers the instruments and measuring tools on his story desk. She scans the room, feels the emptiness that is as deafening as it is quiet.
The calendar on the wall displays an all too familiar date: the day her father was sent to prison. Like an old scar, the memories seem less painful, but indelible. Asami begins searching the drawers. She wasn't sure what she was looking for, but it was time to pack up her father's things.
"Asami?" Korra said as she popped her head by the door.
"Oh, hey sweetie," Asami said as she snapped out of her reminiscence. She walked over to give the Avatar a kiss on the cheek. "You're back early from the city council meeting."
"I just slipped out during Tenzin's report. I asked him for a preview before the meeting… I thought I could help you with this," Korra said as she tenderly cupped Asami's hand in hers.
"You're so thoughtful," Asami said with a complacent smile. "I'll take on these rooms. Could you help with the East Wing? Those things can just be thrown in boxes."
"Sure. Let me know if there's anything else," Korra replied and stroked Asami's hand before she left the room. Korra understood that Asami needed time alone to pack Hiroshi's personal items.
Hands on her hips, Asami was unsure of where to start. She started digging into drawers, finding half-sketched concepts, post-it notes with forgotten numbers, and scattered small mint tin boxes. She picked one up.
The scent of spearmint invoked Hiroshi's image out of thin air. Asami breathed in deeply and sighed.
Then, she mechanically sorted through his belongings. After, she pressed a button to open a sliding door into his closet.
The hard part came. His wardrobe. There were lacquered finished shelves holding rows and rows of neatly folded clothing. She decided to start with his watch collection.
Laid in neat rows on a velvet pillow, they felt heavy and substantial. As she worked her way across the vanity table, she came across a small cherry wood finished box with emerald jewels lining the edges.
"I've never seen this before," Asami noted. She'd always explore his closet as a child. The box seemed to be placed deliberately to be noticed, right at the center.
Asami hesitantly lifted the box's lid. A mechanically raised pedestal appeared that held a smaller ring box. A note hung inside.
Dearest Asami, by the time you read this letter, I will no longer be with you. Your mother and I planned to pass on your mother's engagement ring to you when the time came. There are no words that express how much regret I feel for what I have done. I had always imagined that I would walk you down the aisle, but I'm not the father that I used to be. I hope that this engagement ring will help you find eternal happiness and love. I trust that you'll choose someone worthy of your extraordinary character. You've accomplished more than I could've ever dreamed of.
Love,
HS
She pried open the ring box. A modest platinum band of diamonds with alternating French sapphires sparkled in the light.
She held the box in her palm and admired its intricate design.
"Asami?"
Asami jumped and she grasped at the box to prevent it from falling from her hands. She kept her back towards Korra.
"Yes, Korra?" Asami said, trying to regain her composure.
"I finished packing the East Wing. Do you want me to help you here?" Korra asked tenderly.
"Umm," Asami stuttered, "I'm almost done! Just a few things left. How about throwing that shelf of pants into a box?"
Korra noticed Asami hadn't moved a muscle. "Are you okay, Asami?"
Asami hastily placing the ring box on the vanity table, pivoted around, and backed up a few steps. "Yeah, I just …didn't know where to start."
"Okay, I'll just go get more boxes and be right back. "
When Korra left the room, Asami stuffed the ring box into her pocket. She couldn't risk ruining the surprise.
Her secretary appeared at the doorway. "Miss Sato, I'm sorry to interrupt. Your shipping manager wants to speak with you immediately." Asami rushed out of the room with her secretary.
Korra came back with a pile of boxes up to her head. "Asami, will this be enough?" When she did not hear a response, she stuck her head out to the side. She saw a note hanging in a box.
"Another note about missing dinner, eh?" Korra said as she put down the boxes and walked over to the emerald lined box.
She picked up the note and read it twice. Korra looked for the ring box to no avail.
"I guess I'll have to move up my proposal!"