Toph stood anxiously in front of Sokka’s tent. She didn’t know how, but she was going to tell him what she’d been trying to hide for so long. A million thoughts ran through her mind as she pulled back the tent door.

“Sokka?” she whispered.

“Come in,” he called, his tone hollow.

The tent was a mess.

“Sokka?” Toph asked again.

“You said that already.”

“Oh, yeah, sorry.” What’s wrong with me? Toph asked herself. I’m never this nervous.

“What do you need?” he asked. Again his tone was hollow.

“Could I talk to you?” she asked.

“Sure.”

Toph sat down beside him. “I know how you’re feeling right now, and I wish there was something I could do about it.”

“Me, too.” He turned his head away from her.

Toph went on as if he hadn’t interrupted her. “This probably isn’t the right time to tell you, and I know we haven’t known each other that long,” she paused, hoping for a good reaction. “I guess what I’m trying to say is, I love you.”

What he said next shocked her.

“I’m sorry.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve got a lot to think about right now, Toph. Suki just left me, and I need some time to sort out my thoughts.” His voice was so lifeless, monotone, so not Sokka. If she didn’t know any better she’d have thought Azula or someone had kidnapped him and replaced him with some Sokka lookalike.

“That’s ok,” Toph lied. “I better go, Katara’s probably wondering where I am.”

He shrugged in response.

Toph stood up and walked as calmly as she could out of the tent. To her relief Katara and Aang weren’t around. Before she knew it she was crying again.

Through tears Toph packed up her stuff. She didn’t want to be here any longer. She’d left the tent she’d bended up so they’d think she was still there, at least for a little while…

****

“Has anyone seen Toph?” Katara asked.

Sokka had finally come out of his tent and seemed to be back to his normal self. Katara was glad. She didn’t like seeing her brother upset.

“She’s probably left early,” Sokka yawned.

“That doesn’t really seem like her. What do you think?” she turned to Aang.

“Her tents still up,” said Aang.

“I checked it this morning. I would have looked inside, but I can’t earth bend.” Katara was getting worried.

Aang air bended himself over to the tent, opening the door as he landed. He poked his head inside.

“She’s not there,” he confirmed, scratching his head. “Where do you think she could have gone?”

“I don’t know.” Katara was frustrated. Why did Toph always have to make things so complicated? Then she remembered the conversation from yesterday. Maybe that’s why she’d asked… “Sokka?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you know where she is?” It wasn’t like him to keep things secret.

“No. Like I said before, she probably wanted to get a head start.” He shrugged. “Has anyone seen the seal jerky I brought?”

“Fine then, let’s head over.” Katara hoped Sokka was telling the truth.

****

Toph stared at the ceiling. Hawky screeched when she blew the hair out of her eyes. She shooed him out of the room, not wanting any reminders of what she’d left behind. Her parents had welcomed her back, not needing a reason for her early return. Toph didn’t mind the servants so much now. She rolled over on her bed, bored without her friends- without Sokka. Don't think about that, she told herself.

****

“Did you find her?” asked Katara. They had split up to look for Toph, agreeing to meet back up in an hour. Well, the hour was over, and no one had Toph with them.

“No,” Sokka and Aang both said together.

“Well, we shouldn’t give up just yet, it’s still pretty early,” Katara reminded them warily. “Who was the last person to see her yesterday?”

“Didn’t you go off with her?” Aang asked.

“Yeah, but she went back to camp,” Katara explained.

“What about you, Sokka?” Aang was even more worried than Katara was.

“I haven’t seen her since last night,” he said blankly.

“Last night? That was after I talked to her. Did she say anything strange to you?” Katara was getting a little suspicious.

“No, just that she wished there was something she could do about…” Sokka trailed off.

“Are you sure?” Katara pressed on.

“Yes. Look, she’s a big girl; she can take care of herself. Stop worrying so much, Katara.”

“Well, excuse me for worrying about our friend!”

“Hey, let’s not fight,” Aang said, trying to keep the peace. “It won’t make things any easier if you two stop talking to each other. She’s obviously not here. Maybe she’s at her house, or maybe she just went on a walk.”

“I think her house might be out best bet. Come on Sokka.” What’s up with everyone lately, Katara thought.