[Her expression doesn't change, though she doesn't say anything immediately, her eyes glaring through his shoulder.]

I was born blind. I was the only kid of a family who really wanted a kid, and when I was born, it made my mom so sick, she didn't dare risk having any more kids.

And I was sick too. A lot when I was little, so I wasn't strong. My parents worried a lot. They did everything for me -- everything . . . including someone blowing on my soup when it was too hot. They kept me inside. I never saw anyone. . . . I don't think most people knew they had a kid.

Earthbending saved me. I could have been exactly what my parents wanted -- some spoiled, little sick girl. I could still be there right now, with people blowing on my soup and following me around with a pillow in case I tripped on something. Never seeing anyone, never doing anything.

[Her eyes narrow.] You tell me that's being alive.

You tell me that, and you're officially a butt sucker.

[The words seethe out, sharp and acidic. You tell her that, Bumi, and you're no one she wants to deal with.]