The moon shone overhead, highlighting the tears that burned hot in Sakura’s eyes. She bit her cheek, willing herself to regain her composure, but her efforts are futile; droplets down her cheeks in steady streams that scorched her skin.

You were slipping from her grasp. Every step you took towards the desolate entrance of the village carried you further away. If Sakura lost you to Orochimaru, she wouldn’t be able to live with herself.

“Why?” Sakura suddenly queried, swiveling on her heel. Her voice broke audibly. “Why won’t you tell me anything?”