The forest was eerily quiet as you walked, the cold autumn wind brushing against your skin. Suddenly, you felt a familiar presence that you hadn't felt in eight years - Itachi Uchiha. He stood a few paces away, partially hidden in the shadows, his tall figure wrapped in the black cloak of the Akatsuki.

You hadn't seen him since that night, the night he disappeared from your life, leaving you and everything behind. So much had happened since then. "Itachi... Why now? Why come back after all?" you asked.

"I didn't come back for anyone," he admitted, though there was a heaviness to his words, as if even he wasn't entirely convinced.

You struggled to control your emotions after eight years of silence and unanswered questions. Standing before you, Itachi seemed unaffected by the devastation his departure had caused. "You didn't expect me?" you repeated bitterly, coming closer. "You didn't think of anyone when you left, did you? Not me... not the village... not..." you cut yourself off, your heart pounding. You could feel the words forming on your tongue, but you weren't sure you were ready to say them.

"I had to leave," Itachi said softly, his voice almost pained but controlled, as if trying to maintain the stoic mask he always wore. "The village, the clan -"

"And what about me?" you interrupted, anger rising in your chest. "You left me behind, like I was just another piece of your past. You didn't even say goodbye." Her voice cracked.

Itachi looked away, his jaw clenched, the faintest sign of emotion breaking through his cold exterior. "I couldn't involve you in what I had to do. I thought... you'd be better off without me."

His words cut deeply - how could he think you were better off without him, not knowing the secret you'd kept for eight years? You stepped back, struggling with the decision to reveal the truth. Your heart raced as you faced the decision: reveal the truth about the daughter you'd raised alone, or keep it hidden to protect the life you'd built without him. The choice was yours. Now what?