Book 16: Drained [Voice/Action]

[savedtheworld]

[Voice]

[It had been easy enough to assume that Sokka had still been kidnapped - that he'd be back any day. It was worrying, but there was still the assurance of his eventual return. Except that eventually, his room was checked. And found empty. There wasn't even a sign of Foo Foo Cuddlypoops. It was hard to believe - when Aang had first gotten to Luceti, he had gotten used to Sokka being the man with the answers. And also a beard. He was like a big figure of the town. And now he was gone. Katara wasn't in a state to announce it herself, so Aang eventually did it. Making it quick and to the point.]

Hi everyone. This is Aang. I'm sorry to tell you all this, but Sokka has gone back home. I know we're all gonna miss him. I already do. But at least at home... the last time I saw him there, he was happy.

[Action]

[Aang spends some time over by the statue of Sokka's head located House 56, studying the image of his best friend. He tries to meditate and tries to imagine the inspiring words that Sokka would usually say. Because he's still afraid of being around other people. And right now, the people dear to him may need him more than ever.]

Comments

[written/private]

[savedtheworld]

[He has been talking about it with some people, so he doesn't see much need in keeping the phobia a secret. So he writes quietly - and for once has the tact to put up a filter for privacy's sake.]

That's right. Ever since around Halloween, I've gotten afraid whenever I've been around people. It can get really bad sometimes.

[written/private]

[endgames]

[The mention of Halloween reminds him of the moon; Nami with her wig, and Lee crashing in his room at night.]

You don't have any problem reaching out over the journals.

[It's an observation. He waits, to see if Aang corrects it.]

[written/private]

[savedtheworld]

That's right. It's only when people are actually there when I feel it. And I'm still okay around most animals.

[written/private]

[endgames]

Do that then. Writing is better than nothing.

[written/private]

[savedtheworld]

Are you sure that will be enough? It doesn't feel right, to leave it up to writing.

[written/private]

[endgames]

Is not doing enough good excuse for doing nothing? Do what you can now. Worry about the rest later. The longer you wait, the harder it's going to be to get through to them.