The snow stuck to the ground, only to pile upon itself in soft, pillowy, elegance.

Your cheeks are rosy, the lower half of your face finding warmth in your scarf. However, your eyes are dry from the biting wind. Konoha is no longer hidden in leaves, as all the leaves have died with the warmth of the burning sun. You are standing in front of the academy, eyes taking in every familiar window, door, and color that you once entered and touched and dreaded. You miss the days where things were as simple as chakra control. As simple as teamwork. You miss Minato.

As the last two members of your squad (the third member, Nekomaru, died in battle), it was hard to find the time to just be the kids you once were. Well, at least that's what you think. You honestly have no clue how Minato feels about it, considering he's been gone training with the Legendary Sanin for about three years now. Sometimes, you can smile when you remember him and your team.

Though, most times, you weep for the happiness that you once had.

Winter is the hardest season for you to get through. You used to be with Minato all the time, having little Christmas's together because you're all you both have. Now, he's grown so much stronger. So much more independent. It's likely that he won't need you when he returns, and that, truly, is what terrifies you the most.

You'll no longer be needed.

Of course, what's warranting these negative thoughts is the knowledge that your blonde-haired prodigy would be back in the village by dawn.