Lin knelt on the ground, the rain mixing with the tears

The edges of the world were fading. She was weak, incredibly weak.

A sharp cry cut through the air, but she couldn’t place it.

Someone picked her up, hugging her tightly.

Lin closed her eyes, allowing the darkness to take her.

When she opened them once more, she was lying in a comfy bed, of what appeared to be an abbey.

“Lin, thank goodness.”

Lin sat up, gasping in pain. Tenzin was at her side. Pema was in the corner of the room, holding Rohan, with the three older children clinging onto her robes.

“We were too late,” Pema whispered, horrified, “They took your bending.”

Lin nodded, wiping her eyes, “I told you to not turn back.”

“Lin…” Tenzin started, putting a hand on her arm.

“You shouldn’t have put yourself in danger for me,” Lin snapped, “You should have protected your family.”

“Lin,” Tenzin whispered, “You are our family.”

Pema came over to her, gripping her hand. The three older children gently climbed on top of her, hugging her.

Lin smiled, closing her eyes once more.

She knew that they would all be there, until the next time she woke up.

Pema found her in the rocking chair, gently cooing the small child.

Meelo’s eyes drooped, a smile tugging at his mouth. He leaned against the woman’s chest, happily asleep.

Lin’s face softened, and she smiled, affectionately. It was then that Pema realized that Meelo was the child Lin never had.

She cleared her throat, and Lin looked up, her face hardening.

“Did he behave?’ Pema asked.

“He was no trouble at all,” Lin said.

“I’m glad,” Pema smiled, “Maybe you can watch him tomorrow, for me?”

Lin forced a sigh, “Well, I don’t know. I mean, I guess, if you need me to.”

Pema put a hand on her shoulder, gently, “Oh Lin…”

Two words were all it took. A conversation passed between the two of them.

Lin looked away, her voice coming out in a whisper, “It would be my pleasure.”

For years, Lin tried to get pregnant. Whether from injury, or infertility, she simply could not have children.

Tenzin assured her that he still loved her.

Overtime, however, the two began to see the reality of the situation.

After all, it was Tenzin’s ‘duty’ to repopulate the Airbenders.

He said that he still loved her, even after he left.

Now, Lin has to look at Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo all day, and be reminded of the children that she never had.

What do you guys think?

Lin helped the child to the bathroom, waiting patiently outside.

When he was finished, she gave him a bath, spraying soap everywhere.

She put his pajamas on, and after much protesting, put him down to bed.

His hand grabbed hers, as he pleaded for her to read him a story.

The other two children wandered in. The eldest handed Lin a book.

Lin held back a smile, as she sat down.

The two girls sat next to her, and the little boy gnawed at her hair.

She read the story, until they fell asleep.

She then used her wires to carry them to their designated beds.

As she turned off the lights, a sigh escaped her lips.

For, she knew that these children could have once been hers.