Wandering Firebender

Eighty Four: Changes

It was late afternoon, and Elio was already feeling tired as he made his way up the hill to his family's house. He let out a yawn and rubbed the corners of his eyes with his fingers as he approached the front door. He knocked on the door and waited, grasping onto another bouquet of flowers with both hands.

His sister was the one who answered the door, "Hi. You're here early." Taiga noted.

"You know me, always punctual. I brought some more of these." He said, holding up the flowers he had brought.

"Oh, those are nice. I'll take those. Mom's still taking care of the other ones." She said, carefully taking them from him.

"Then they're all yours." He said with a smile before walking inside and removing his boots.

"No uniform today?" Taiga observed that he was wearing normal clothes instead of his special agent uniform.

"Fire Lord Zuko let me off early today, sooo..." Elio said with a shrug.

"Hey, son," Sol walked into the living room and waved once he saw him. "Rue is making one of your favorites today." He informed him.

"Steaks?" Elio guessed.

"That's right!" Sol answered, making Elio laugh delightfully.

"Great! Because I could really use a good meal." Elio expressed.

"They'll be done soon! Taiga, dear, could you come in here and help me, please?" Rue requested from the kitchen.

"Coming, mother." Taiga quickly scurried into the kitchen, leaving Elio and Sol alone in the living room.

"Come with me, son, I want to show you something." Sol said, making his way down the hall. Elio followed his father until they arrived at the door to Elio's old bedroom.

"What is it?" Elio asked.

"After you left, we turned your old room into a storage room. Your stuff is all still here." Sol explained as he opened the door for Elio.

Elio entered into the room and looked around curiously. The room was full of storage boxes. All of his decorations had been taken down and packed up. His furniture had sheets draped over them. His bed was no longer there. The air inside was dustier; clearly, no one came into this part of the house that often.

"I forgot that I used to have so much stuff." Elio commented with a faint chuckle.

"It's all here: your old trophies, your decorations, some of your clothes and the little necklaces you used to like to wear. You're welcome to take it back with you since you're staying in the palace now." Sol said.

"Thank you for keeping all this," Elio smiled appreciatively. "I'll have to send for it and go through it in my room when I can." He decided.

"Of course." Sol nodded.

"Dinner's ready! Come get it before it's gone!" Taiga called to them.

"I'll help you with your steak if you don't want it." Sol joked with Elio as they walked to the dinner table.

"Ha, yeah right." Elio scoffed.

The family of four sat at the table once all the food and drinks were served. Elio let out a relaxed sigh. Finally, he could get some rest. And he was happy that things were starting to be comfortable between him and his family again, far as he could tell.

"Go ahead and take a deep breath, dear. You look tired." Rue observed.

"I am." Elio agreed with a mild chuckle, taking in a deep breath and letting it go.