Claire is warm and safe and makes everything -- not better, but bearable. But she's sleeping, and Sokka's -- well, not. Surprisingly enough.

He slides his hand free gently, after staring at the ceiling of the tent for forever and a day, and checks to make sure she's breathing sleeping before heading out. He just -- needs air.

He's trying so hard to be strong for Claire, who needs someone to protect her from the murderer, and for Toph, who's just buried her closest friend, and for Penance even though they're not really sure how much she understands -- she understands pain. It's just -- hard.

It's mostly just coincidence that he walks in Toph's direction.