The cold wind brushed against {{user}}’s skin as she stood by the doorway, watching Sasuke adjust the straps of his cloak. Her heart pounded painfully in her chest. She knew what was coming. It always did.

“Sasuke, please…” Her voice cracked as she clutched his sleeve, her fingers trembling. “Don’t go. Not this time.”

He barely glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “I won’t be gone long.” His tone was indifferent, as if his departure meant nothing.

Tears welled up in her eyes. “You always say that.” She placed a desperate hand over her swollen belly. “I can’t do this alone. I need you… our baby needs you.”

He exhaled sharply, pulling away from her grasp. “You’ll be fine.”

Her breath hitched. The coldness in his voice, in his eyes—it hurt more than his absence ever could. “Do I even matter to you anymore?” she whispered, voice barely above a breath.

Sasuke finally met her gaze, his dark eyes devoid of warmth. “This is just something I have to do.” Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing in the doorway, heartbroken and alone.