Andrew and Sam

narrated by John

Walking home, the busy city noise faded away, and I strolled through our neighborhood. The setting sun painted everything in warm hues. Each step echoed my thoughts about the unexpected day—the clash at the Academy entrance and the intriguing energy class with Benji.

Our house came into view, a familiar sight, and the idea of sharing my day's surprises with my parents brought a hint of excitement.

As I stepped inside, the comforting aroma of my mom's cooking welcomed me. Dad greeted me with a warm smile. A retired Bender Elite, he had a formidable reputation in his prime, but now he embraced a quieter life with Mom and me. His receding hairline and greying beard spoke of the years, but his eyes held a spark of enthusiasm.

"Hey, John! How was your day at the Academy?" he asked, setting aside a book he was reading.

"Hey, Dad. It was good, got to know some classmates and had our first training session," I replied, grabbing a snack from the kitchen.

"That's great to hear! You'll make the Will legacy proud," Dad said with a twinkle in his eye. "Any interesting encounters today?"

"Well, there's this guy, Gordon. He's determined to be the strongest bender," I chuckled, recounting some of the day's events.

Dad laughed, "Ah, every generation has one of those. Keeps things interesting. Just focus on your own journey, John."

"John, is that you?" Mom called out as she entered the room. Her warm smile lit up the space.

"Yeah, Mom. I'm here," I replied, meeting her halfway.

"How was your day, dear?" she asked, giving me a quick hug.

"Good, Mom. Got to meet some interesting people. Oh, and Alex is in the same class!" I shared, knowing that her eyes would light up at the mention of us both being together.

"Alex? Really? That's wonderful! How is he doing?" Mom inquired, her curiosity evident.

"He's doing well. We had our first training together. It feels like we're embarking on a new adventure, just like you and Dad did back in the day," I said, and Mom's eyes sparkled with memories.

As Mom and Dad settled into the conversation, they began recounting stories from their learning days as benders. It was a journey filled with challenges, growth, and the forging of lifelong bonds.

Dad chuckled, remembering the early days of training. "We were just like you, John, figuring out the intricacies of bending. Back then, the city wasn't as advanced as it is now, but the Bender Academy was the heart of our aspirations."

Mom nodded, a reminiscent smile on her face. "We had some tough teachers, mentors who pushed us beyond our limits. It wasn't always easy, but those challenges molded us into the benders we eventually became."

They shared tales of rigorous training sessions, where bending techniques were honed and refined. Mom spoke of the first time she successfully manipulated water, and Dad recalled the satisfaction of mastering firebending. The air of nostalgia enveloped our living room as they delved into the vivid memories of their formative years.

Listening to their stories, I gained a deeper understanding of the path that lay ahead. The challenges of the Bender Academy were not just tests; they were stepping stones on a journey to mastery, much like the ones Mom and Dad faced in their learning days. The warmth of their shared experiences echoed through our home, bridging the generational gap with tales of growth, perseverance, and the magic of bending.

I heard a knock on the door, and went to open it. To my surprise, it was Benji, our teacher, and he was also equally surprised to see me.

"John? You Andrew's kid?"

"Yeah, but what are you doing here?"

"I actually came to visit Andrew and Sam. We go way back, you know. I didn't know you were their son."

"It's a small world, isn't it? Come on in, they'll be thrilled to see you."

"Benji! Well, if it isn't the man who seems to have mastered the art of disappearing. What brings you back?" Dad greeted with a warm smile, his eyes widening in genuine surprise.

"Andrew, my old friend! Just passing through, and I thought I'd pay a visit."

"Unexpected, but a pleasant surprise. Come, have a seat. We've got a lot to catch up on," Andrew said, ushering Benji into the living room.

"What have you been up to then, Benji?" Andrew asked, a curious glint in his eyes.

Benji hesitated for a moment, as if contemplating how much to reveal. "Well, Andrew, I've taken up a new role. I'm now a teacher at the Bender Academy, and it turns out, I'll be teaching your son here."

Dad chuckled, a mix of amusement and disbelief. "Teaching my son? Well, well, life has its twists, doesn't it? John, you didn't tell me we'd have Benji as your personal instructor."

I shrugged, smiling. "Surprise, Dad. Looks like we'll be spending more time with Benji."

Mom, who had been observing the exchange, chimed in, "It's good to have you here, Benji. We've missed the old Bender Force days."

Benji nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Missed those days too, Sam. But now, it's a new chapter, and I'm looking forward to training the next generation."

For the next couple of hours, the three kept talking about their days in the force, recalling old memories and past battles.

"Alright, folks," Benji said, rising from his seat. "It's been great catching up, but I've got to head out. John, I'll see you in class tomorrow. Get ready for some intense training!"

"Sure!" I said, and closed the door as he headed out.