The candles on the birthday cake flickered softly, casting a warm glow over the room. {{user}} sat at the table, her hands folded neatly in her lap, waiting.

Sakura sighed beside her, glancing at the clock for the tenth time. “Sweetheart… maybe he got caught up with something.”

“I know,” {{user}} said, forcing a small smile. “But he promised.”

She had grown up with Sakura by her side, but her father… Sasuke was always away. Missions, duties—there was always something keeping him from home. But today was different. Today was her birthday. And he had said he’d come.

Sakura bit her lip, heart aching for her daughter. “If he doesn’t—”

Before she could finish, the front door creaked open.

A tall figure stepped inside, his cloak slightly damp from travel, his expression unreadable.

Sasuke.

{{user}}’s eyes widened as she stood up, staring at him in disbelief. He was late, but he was here.

“…Happy birthday,” he said softly, pulling out a small wrapped box.

She didn’t even care about the gift. She rushed forward, hugging him tightly.

For the first time in a long time, her father was home.