Author's note: Whew! Hi guys! Sorry so late…I've been running around like crazy all day (in the pouring rain no less!)

This is it! The last chapter of Part I! A HUGE thank-you and lots of virtual hugs go out to those who have stuck around and reviewed this entire time! You guys have made it so worth it! *warm fuzzies*

Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter: avatarthelastairbenderfreak, secretsofadarkangel, Tigerlilysmile, AnnaAza, Animus of Masada, hg-always, Katey123, ArrayePL, Dreaming 11, a5h13y 101, Afictionado, xxKHxxFan15, InItToWinIT. Haha, I'm glad I was able to surprise you all with the kiss – and that you all liked it!

There will be a note at the bottom regarding Part II. For now though, I present to you the final chapter of Part I!

Healing

Looking at you makes it harder

But I know that you'll find another

That doesn't always make you wanna cry

It started with the perfect kiss then

We could feel the poison set in

Perfect couldn't keep this love alive

You know that I love you so

I love you enough to let you go

I want you to know

It doesn't matter where we take this road

Someone's gotta go

And I want you to know

You couldn't have loved me better

But I want you to move on

So I'm already gone

-Kelly Clarkson, Already Gone

Over the next few days, Katara was surprised to have Zuko visit her cell several times. She still wasn't sure what news had caused him to leave the room so abruptly a few days prior. She had to admit to herself that there was something in his gaze just before he left that disturbed her. It was almost…possessive.

In addition to his visits, she was also surprised by the tenderness he afforded her. They had seemed to return to the uneasy truce that they had held during the weeks of afternoon tea. They once more fell into a routine of stilted conversation that became easier with time. Katara was somewhat shocked and mildly ashamed that she enjoyed their conversations.

They once again began trading stories of their childhoods, both the good and the bad. Katara talked about the love her family shared, but also discussed the hardships of living in such an unforgiving land. She talked openly about how difficult the Fire Nation's attacks had been for her people – and about how hard the deaths of her parents had been. And Zuko had listened. He sat at the edge of her bed as he heard of the horrors the Fire Nation had brought to the Southern Water Tribe; he looked down at the fabric that covered the bed, while his pale hands picked at invisible lint on the sheets. The waterbender had been shocked when she recognized the expression on his face – shame. Could Zuko – the Fire Lord – be ashamed of the actions of his predecessors?

Perhaps he had been eager to shift the subject from the abuses the Fire Nation had visited on the Water Tribe, but Katara had nonetheless been surprised when Zuko began to speak of his own past. Zuko had talked about anything from the long hours he had spent listening to his tutors drone on about history to the harsh punishments his father had given. His amber eyes had dulled when he spoke of his father. Katara noticed his muscles had become tense, as if he expected the man to jump out of the shadows and carry him back into the darkness.

What did he do to you?

He told her how he had acquired his scar.

It was the one time I showed open compassion for anyone. Father always taught us that compassion was a weakness, and a ruler who showed compassion was unfit to rule. As a result, Azula and I learned to be harsh in our judgments. Weakness and incompetence was unacceptable.

I was thirteen. I begged Father to allow me to attend a war meeting. After all, I had just become Crown Prince of the Fire Nation, and if I was to rule someday, I had better get started on learning how to do it.

He finally acquiesced and told me I may attend if I kept my mouth shut during the meeting. I was so excited. I entered my father's war room and took my place among the generals. I listened, fascinated, as they discussed strategy.

To my dismay, my father's generals were discussing a plan that involved sacrificing inexperienced soldiers on the front lines.

I spoke my opposition.

My father's fury was immediate. To my shame, I was terrified. He dismissed the generals from the war room, and decided my punishment.

He had shuddered nearly imperceptibly as he recalled the horror of the moment.

I saw his hand fill with flame, and before I knew what happened, he raised his hand to my face. I fell to the floor; the pain was indescribable.

I promised my father I would never make the mistake of showing compassion again. I told him I would give the order to send those soldiers to the front line.

I learned my lesson.

Katara had listened, horrified, as he recounted his tale. His voice was bitter as he reached the end of the story; he looked away from her, as if he couldn't face her judgment. Indeed, she couldn't look at him when he told her that he capitulated to his father's wishes and gave the orders to the soldiers himself.

He knowingly sent those soldiers to their deaths. Despite her horror, she began to wonder about the situation. He was thirteen. What thirteen year-old wouldn't obey his father in the face of such terror?

Slowly, she had tentatively raised her hand to the rough, raised skin of his scar. He flinched away from her palm at first, but then she felt him lean into her gentle touch.

She sat on her bed now, thinking back to that peculiar moment. He had seemed so vulnerable, as if he was once more that terrified thirteen year-old boy. He had had no one to guide him or comfort him. She now offered him the kindness and comfort that he had wished for all those years ago.

She had looked through the window of his past with new eyes. She had wondered if she would be any different, had she been raised in that environment. Somehow, she didn't think so. Even her own personality had been changed by the harsh realities of the world. Her early years had been filled with love and family; back then, she never would have dreamed she would grow into a hardened warrior. After the death of her family, Master Pakku had taken her and molded her into a warrior – a warrior that killed others in battle.

The waterbender felt her cheeks warm as she recalled how Zuko had gently taken hold of the hand cupping his face, and placed his own hand behind her head, guiding her toward him. His fingers had delicately worked their way through her hair as their lips met.

This was gentle and tentative, unlike the greedy, desperate kiss they had previously shared. She felt his warm lips explore hers, and his tongue had slowly entered her mouth. She breathed in his smoky scent, and returned his kisses. His long fingers had deftly woven their way through her hair, pulling their bodies closer together. Soon, his lips had wandered down the curve of her jaw, gently tasting the newly-formed scar that encircled her neck.

They had been forced to stop as they heard footsteps approaching the cell door. A messenger had knocked, and Zuko went to meet him.

Even though he had left, Katara could still feel his lips on hers. Her mind reeled with uncertainty. She hated herself for giving into him. Every time she was with him, she wanted to think of how he was responsible for the loss of her home and family.

He was personally responsible for Akiak's death. Akiak, who had died in agony just a few feet from where her bed was now situated.

He was responsible for hurting her. She had nearly died.

But then he had brought her back to life…and awakened feelings she wasn't aware she could still feel.

She forced herself to stop pacing the cell. She lay down on the bed, and tried to make sense of her thoughts. She tossed and turned as she realized the futility of the notion. She could not be in love with him.

But I am…oh spirits…I am.

Zuko sat in his war room, listening with half an ear to the reports of his generals. Usually, he listened with attentiveness to what the men had to say. He had hand-picked each one of them – they were a far cry from the monkey-lizards his father had called generals, whom he had promptly dismissed after coming into power. These were men of honor; he had personally fought beside each one of them. He respected them, and they respected him. Today, however, he had much more on his mind than troop movements. He forced himself to listen as General Kuro, one of the generals overseeing the Earth Kingdom colonies, gave a disturbing report of Earth Kingdom forces mobilizing.

They were moving with more organization than they had in years, and Zuko and his generals suspected they had found a new guiding force. Azula. There were sketchy reports of Dai Li agent sightings, and even a possible sighting of Azula just south of Gaoling.

His sister would have to be dealt with in the very near future. He saw the well-hidden worry in the eyes of each of his military commanders. It was disturbing that Azula had been able to raise such a formidable army in such a short amount of time. What would she be capable of, given more time?

Even more worrisome at the moment were the reports of Water Tribe movements. The fleet that had massed near the northern islands was now on the move. And they were moving south.

"My lord, I suggest that we wipe this fleet out before they reach our shores. We can ambush them at the Gates of Azulon," General Arata, a stout man with graying sideburns, advised.

Zuko sighed wearily. "Yes, I agree. Designate a task force to set up the ambush. I appoint you to take charge of the operation. Failure is not an option," he said, his eyes narrowing at his general. "See that the Water Tribe naval force does not get one ship past the gates," he said, threat lacing his voice.

General Arata visibly swallowed. "It will be done, my lord."

"General Kuro, I wish for you to travel back to the Earth Kingdom and take charge of the search for my sister. She must be found and captured. We need our best soldiers here in the homeland for the current threat, but as soon as the Water Tribe warriors are annihilated, you may have whatever troops you need at your disposal. Concentrate on intelligence work for the moment," he ordered.

"The rest of you, I need you to safeguard the homeland. General Arata is supervising the naval aspect, but there have been a few reports of Water Tribe soldiers traveling by land. They may try to find a weakness in our city's walls. See that they don't find one," he said simply.

The generals received the implied threat within the order. If one Water Tribe soldier makes it past our defenses, your lives are forfeit.

The older men watched the young Fire Lord stalk out of the room after dismissing them, then scrambled to fulfill their respective duties.

Katara snapped awake as her cell door creak open. She was no longer startled when she saw Zuko enter the cell.

She gifted him with a small smile.

She noticed he carried a small tray with him. A laugh nearly escaped her lips when she saw it contained a tea set, and she nearly fell over in shock as he began to serve her tea.

He noticed the expression on her face and gave her a wry smile.

"Just like old times, with a bit of a twist," he said lightly

He carefully handed her a cup of the steaming liquid, and poured one for himself.

They sat in companionable silence as they sipped their tea.

Despite his easy attitude toward her, and the calming effect of the tea, she could sense that something was amiss. She had noticed he had seemed very tense the past few days. In fact, he had seemed very tense ever since that first messenger had visited the cell and Zuko had left without a word.

Deciding to take a risk, Katara inquired about his uneasiness.

"Zuko, what's wrong?" she asked point-blank.

He looked at her in surprise, as if he thought he had been successfully hiding his tense attitude.

"Nothing. Just politics," he said, taking a sip of his tea. Katara noticed him wince as the burning-hot liquid hit his lips. She reflected it was odd to see a firebender burned by hot tea.

Katara's intuitive qualities didn't buy the story that it was merely politics that were worrying him. Whatever was bothering him distracted him to the point of burning his mouth with hot tea.

"You've been dealing with politics your entire life. It's something more than that," she pressed.

She felt him sigh beside her.

"Very well. If you must know – there have been organized movements within the Earth Kingdom. I believe my sister has made contact with the Dai Li agents who helped us overtake Ba Sing Se, and that she is now planning a coup," he explained.

One of her eyebrows raised. Worrisome, but not enough to be the sole cause of his uneasiness.

"Zuko, you've been dealing with your sister nearly your entire life. That can't be what is worrying you to distraction."

She continued to stare at him, her cerulean eyes boring into his golden ones.

He shifted his weight uncomfortably and looked away from her.

"Go on," she prodded.

"I suppose you might as well know. There have been reports of the Water Tribe fleet massing near Asuka Island, which is near the northern-"

She interrupted him. "I know where it is," she said, her eyes narrowing. "And what are you planning to do about it?" she asked suspiciously.

"I will protect my city," Zuko supplied.

Katara sighed. "I know," she said with resignation.

She paused a moment. "The escaped warrior must have returned and told my tribe that I and the others are still alive," she said, hope creeping into her voice.

She was startled to feel Zuko stiffen beside her when she mentioned "the others".

She pinned her glare on his face. "Zuko, are the others still alive?" she demanded, her voice rising.

Her hands started to shake when he didn't answer immediately.

He looked down at the floor as he began to speak.

"After-after the poison incident, I had Azula arrested," he stopped, letting the implications of the statement soak into Katara's mind. She watched the fire light from the lanterns flicker over his face as she digested the information.

I think you remember that we still have six Water Tribe prisoners left. I have given the guards an order to dispatch them in the event of my arrest.

Azula's words bit into Katara's memory, and tears filled her eyes.

"No. No!! All of them??" she shouted, standing up and facing Zuko.

He nodded his head numbly.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled to her.

"You're sorry? You never cared for them!! Tui and La, you killed one of them yourself!! It's better for you that they're gone!!" she screeched, her hand pulling back to slap him.

He grasped her wrist before she could make contact with his face.

"Don't," he warned.

Wrenching her hand from his grasp, she balled her fists up at her sides, her body shaking.

Finally she went slack and sat back on the bed. She looked up at him, defeat in her eyes. "How much more must I suffer? I was responsible for those men," she choked out, tears streaming down her face.

The Fire Lord turned to leave the room, but hesitated at the doorway. He looked back at her and spoke once more. "You are correct. Their deaths meant nothing to me. But I am sorry that it hurt you. And for that, my sister will suffer."

Katara stared after him as he left the room, the lock once again clicking behind him.

Zuko avoided the waterbender's cell for the next two days. He had wanted nothing more than to rush back in there and comfort her, but he just couldn't. He could not show that weakness. He couldn't let her distract him from his purpose.

As it was, he had plenty to keep him busy. At the moment, he sat brooding on his throne, waiting to hear field reports from his soldiers. Messenger hawks had arrived that morning from the outlying islands; they had reported the Water Tribe fleet had been spotted. The wooden ships were said to be sailing with all haste in the direction of the capital. The Water Tribe attack should be happening at any moment now.

He wanted to be out in the midst of the fighting, but his place was here at the center of his city. He needed to be here in the event that Water Tribe forces did breach the city.

A messenger rushed into the room, gasping for breath.

"My lord! The Water Tribe launched their attack at the Gates of Azulon, but General Arata's forces were successful in crushing them. Most of their ships are now at the bottom of the harbor, and our ships are recovering prisoners," the messenger said in a rush.

Zuko was about to thank the man for delivering the good news when another messenger rushed in.

"Your highness, the naval attack was merely a ruse! Land-based troops have breached the city walls! General Arata dispatched troops as soon as he heard of the attack, but our forces were concentrating on the naval assault. The Water Tribe is-"

Zuko didn't stop to listen to the rest of the man's report. He ran to his chambers to don his armor, barking orders all the way, and then he would see about safeguarding his city and his waterbender.

Katara glanced up in surprise as Zuko slammed the door to her cell open and came rushing in. She hadn't seen him in two days - not since she had learned of the deaths of her fellow warriors. It didn't escape her notice that he was in full battle armor. She cringed at the furious look on his face. A stray tendril of smoke worked its way out of his nose. The Fire Lord stood for a moment, trying to catch his breath. His chest heaved under his armor.

Katara crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at him.

"What's going on?" she inquired, although she could guess that the Water Tribe fleet had arrived.

He looked at her intensely. "The Water Tribe warriors are invading the city. They breached a weak point. My soldiers are trying to hold them back, but they keep coming. It's going to be a massacre…for both sides."

Katara's face paled.

Zuko purposefully walked up to her and grasped her shoulders. His golden eyes bored into her blue eyes.

"And it's all for you! Agni! I would give them anyone else," he yelled, shaking her slightly as he held her in his grip.

Katara looked at the man before her; he was dressed for battle, ready to hold onto her at any cost. His fingers twitched slightly, digging into her shoulders, as if he were preparing to firebend at a moment's notice.

She couldn't let this happen. Not for her.

"Zuko," Katara said, her voice nearly a whisper. "If you ever loved me, if you ever cared for me, you will let me go. You will escort me to my people. I can talk them out of this invasion – indeed, if I'm the main reason they are here, it will be easy for me to convince them to abandon the assault if I'm free."

Zuko looked at her, emotion warring on his face. In one moment, his expression softened, as if he were going to succumb to her wishes and release her, but in the next moment, his face hardened. She recognized his expression – she had seen it on the faces of Water Tribe warriors. It was that of a man prepared to fight for what was his. Katara felt her heart being torn in two. One half was with her people, and the other half was here, with him.

Her heart sank as he began shaking his head.

Her mind raced in desperation, and words spilled out of her mouth. "Please, Zuko. If not for me, then for both of our nations – to prevent warriors and innocents from dying today," she pleaded.

His shoulders fell, and he lost the determined expression on his face. His hands relaxed in defeat.

"Katara, you must know that if I let you go today – we will be enemies. I will hunt you. If we meet on a field of battle…" he trailed off for a moment, "…I will hold nothing back."

Katara's eyes widened, and she nodded numbly. "I will hold nothing back either."

Zuko stood across from her, and began to speak after a heavy pause.

"I want to leave you with one thing," he said.

"And that would be?"

Words were not needed. He crossed the short distance to her, and passionately pressed his lips to hers. His warm mouth closed over hers, and they each poured everything into that one physical connection. They greedily took from one another, but gently gave back in return. Everything they had ever shared was in that kiss – the hate, the love, the passion, the understanding that their love could never be. Their lips worked frantically over one another in a desperate attempt to share a lifetime in a matter of moments – for a few moments was all they had left together. With that kiss, Katara knew undoubtedly that she loved him and he loved her.

And their lives were about to change forever.

Reluctantly, they tore apart.

They looked at one another, slightly dazed.

Katara spoke first.

"What do I need to do? Where do I need to go?" she asked hurriedly, trying to push what had just transpired between them from her mind.

"My forces have found the location of their breach, and are unsuccessfully trying to hold them off. Agni, I hate to send you in there! By all reports, the battle is furious-"

"Zuko! I am a master waterbender – I can handle myself in a battle," she stated.

He looked at her, panic lacing his gaze. "But you're out of practice. You haven't-"

"I'll be fine! I move through my katas every morning! Even without water, I practiced my forms," she said forcibly.

He's worried about my safety now? After he just threatened he would hunt me down? And kill me if necessary?

The Fire Lord blinked and seemed to once more gain control.

"Very well. I will provide you with water skins. Hopefully you won't need them. I will attempt to send a messenger to announce to the Water Tribe forces that we are offering you up in exchange for their retreat," he said, calmer now.

He exited the cell, and motioned for her to follow him. Upon leaving, Katara took one last glance back at her cell. What had once been her dark, miserable prison was now lit by a dozen flickering lanterns. A comfortable bed sat where she had once shivered on the floor.

As much as her circumstances had improved, however, it was still a prison. As much as she had come to…love Zuko, she could not spend her days in prison. She was meant to be free. She was meant to help liberate the world.

After procuring some water skins for her, Zuko and a company of soldiers led her to the scene of the battle. Her nose reveled in the outside air, even though it was laced with smoke. She had been breathing the same stale air for too long.

The horrible sounds of battle grew louder as they drew closer. As they crested the top of a hill, Katara saw the scene laid out before her. She felt the blood drain out of her face, and risked a glance at Zuko. Ever since they had left the cell, his face had been framed in fury.

He was angry that the Water Tribe had breached his city's defenses.

He was angry that the Water Tribe had killed his soldiers.

He was angry that the collateral damage had killed his civilians. The bodies of townspeople littered the square. Katara closed her eyes in sadness.

He was angry that he had to give her up.

It was that last reason for his anger that worried Katara the most. She could not predict his actions regarding her. Would he keep his word and let her go for the sake of both of their peoples? Glancing at his face, she wasn't so sure.

Bodies littered the ground, and Katara felt a wave of sadness and regret that not all of them were soldiers. Some of them were ordinary citizens who had gotten caught in the crossfire. They had woken up that morning, expecting a typical day, going about their typical business, when her people invaded their quiet, ordinary lives. She closed her eyes against tears. War was a terrible business for all involved.

She looked sharply at Zuko when he spoke. "They are killing my people," he said, fury evident in his voice.

"And now you know how the rest of the world feels," she replied quietly.

She waited for a response, and she risked another glance at him when he didn't answer. Flames seemed to flare in the depths of his golden eyes; his face was full of fury, but there was also a small hint of realization. His eyes had widened slightly; his jaw had slackened almost imperceptibly.

Choosing to let the observation remain unanswered, he motioned to the runner that had accompanied them. She watched, cringing, as the agile man dodged various weapons, water, and flame as he waved a white flag.

She breathed a sigh of relief as the fighting gradually decreased and finally came to a stop. She and Zuko both watched with bated breath as the messenger conferred with the Water Tribe leader. Katara couldn't tell for certain whom it was, but her heart was hopeful that it was Bato. He would certainly have spearheaded the effort to return her to the North Pole. At the same time, she feared for his life. She could only hope that Pakku hadn't joined the warriors. Surely they wouldn't have allowed one of the Water Tribe's most valuable assets to risk his life in such a mission.

The messenger broke away and returned to their waiting group.

"The Water Tribe leader has agreed to cease his attack and leave the city if the waterbender is returned to them promptly," he said as he eyed Katara warily.

Zuko closed his eyes briefly.

"It is done then. She shall be returned to them. I will order a cease fire. They will then have thirty minutes to completely remove their forces from my city walls, otherwise their presence will once more be construed as hostile, and we will commence our attacks on them once more," he said.

The messenger bounded off once more to carry the message to the Water Tribe leader. Once the man received confirmation from the Water Tribe warrior, he waved the white flag as a signal.

Zuko gave his cease fire order.

He looked at Katara. "I will escort you down there myself," he said tersely.

Katara nodded and started down the hill with him. As they approached the Water Tribe warriors, she began to recognize some faces, most notably Bato. He was indeed the leader of the invading force. It was all she could do to refrain from running to him. She was relieved that she did not recognize Master Pakku's face among the invading force. It appeared he had stayed home.

Once she reached Bato, she enveloped him in a hug, and he returned it wholeheartedly.

"Katara, my seal pup, I thought you were lost to us forever," he whispered.

"I'm here, Bato, I'm here. Let's go home," she said.

Bato looked up at Zuko, still holding Katara protectively in his arms, murder in his gaze.

Zuko spoke. "I suggest you take my advice and leave my city. There is no way your forces can win, even with your prize waterbender," he said with narrowed eyes.

"Yes, we'll leave your wretched city, Fire Nation scum," Bato said scathingly.

Zuko ignored him, and looked at Katara. "Remember what I told you," regret in his eyes as he spoke.

"I know," she said quietly. The next time they met, it would be as mortal enemies once more.

Zuko summoned his troops and walked away.

Bato looked at her, questioning the exchange that had just occurred. She answered him quietly. "It's nothing, Bato. Let's just go."

"Katara, I must ask you something. This could be our chance to take the Fire Nation capital. You've been inside. We have over one hundred more warriors lying in wait outside the city. Could we do it?" he whispered, his words spilling out in a rush.

Katara looked at him with sad blue eyes. There was a slim chance it was possible, but it would be a massacre on both sides.

"No, there are too many of them. It would be a massacre. We should regroup, and wait for another chance. Our day will come, Bato," she said sadly.

He gave a curt nod, acknowledging her advice. "Very well then," he said. "Move out!" he shouted to his forces.

Katara helped gather up their straggling soldiers. She knew that Zuko would very well carry out his threat if they were not outside the city walls within his set time frame. She could feel his golden eyes on her, watching from atop the hill. He was ready to send the signal to attack if there was any inkling the Water Tribe warriors were in any way hostile.

Bato led her and the rest of the warriors out of harm's way. They passed through an underground tunnel in the bowels of the volcano surrounding the city. The heat inside was stifling, and she was grateful to exit the underground escape route. Idly she wondered if it was the same route Azula had taken out of the city.

Well, the Fire Lord knew about it now, and would certainly seal it. Next time, assuming there was a next time, they would need to find an alternate route into the city.

The warriors made their way through an outlying forest to a hidden bay, where several wooden Water Tribe ships awaited their return.

Katara boarded the ship, and soon they were underway. She reveled in the salt spray on her face, ecstatic to be once more surrounded by her element, but she couldn't help but look back at the land full of fire. Her thoughts rested on one who wielded fire as she wielded water, and once again, she hated herself for longing to feel his arms around her.

Zuko watched from atop the hill as the Water Tribe forces gathered and dispersed. His gaze rested upon a small figure with dark hair, her servant clothing a splash of red among the blue of her people.

As the Water Tribe warriors filed out of the city, the Fire Lord turned to one of his trusted military commanders.

"Have her followed. I don't care if you have to use every single Yu Yen archer to track her. The tracker must not be seen. If the trail is lost, don't bother returning to the Fire Nation. You will never set foot on this soil again if she is lost. And if she is harmed in any way, I will hunt you down. Personally. Am I clear?"

"Yes, my lord," the man said, trying to keep a waver out of his voice.

"Good, then you had best go, because the trail is quickly fading away. I would hate to see you fail so early in your mission. Send weekly updates to me via messenger hawk. These updates are for my eyes only. Now go!" he ordered.

The man raced away to gather resources for his extended trip and to set the Yu Yen to immediately begin tracking the girl.

Zuko wearily climbed inside the palanquin that would deliver him back to the palace. One thought filled his mind.

We will meet again.

Special note:

So there it is folks! Hope you all enjoyed it – I know I had fun writing it. It's been quite the experience! I have Part II completely written, but I have to review and edit and all that fun stuff. I'm thinking about posting the prologue next Friday. If I have enough motivation (hint,hint), then I will post it next Friday. Part II is called "Sun and Moon", so keep your eyes open for it!

Part II consists of a prologue, 10 chapters, and an epilogue.

Thanks for reading – you guys are the best!! And now a gift...a teaser for Part II:

Zuko looked up at the dark sky. The purple-hued storm clouds hid the moon from his view.

He hated when the clouds hid the moon.

The moon was the only way he could feel close to her.

When he was completely alone at night, he would look up and quietly whisper to the moon.

He loved her.

And he hated her for it.