Those Bounds

001

Sakura's

It's almost past sunset. I'm currently walking through the busy streets of Konoha.

Dazzling lights and joyful people were displayed in my view as I go home. They were eating, talking, and laughing like Momoshiki didn't infiltrate the village 3 months ago.

You can't trace worry or fear in their faces. Good for them though. They moved on fast.

I shouldn't be walking home this early but I got excited about my daughter's plans for the night. I did all of my work as fast as I can this day.

"Sakura, don't hurry up. Do it like your usual pace. I'm sure Sarada would understand if you're a bit late for dinner." Shizune was about to nag at me when she noticed.

"Well, I know she's understanding but I don't want to take advantage of that. And it's like I miss her every minute." I said collecting my implements.

"That's sweet. Go home now!" She bumps her hips to mine.

I send her a glare, jokingly.

Shizune rolled her eyes, lips went up for a gentle smile.

"And you know you can do some of the work the next day right, or pass the work to others?" She looked at me intently.

I heaved a sign. "It's my job, I don't wanna bother other people about it."

"You will not bother them! Pass down some of the easiest or works that could be done by anyone who's not the Head of the Leaf's Medical Department." God, she takes after Master Tsunade.

"Or if that concerns you that much then just keep in mind that there will always be something called tomorrow. Who says you need to finish all the work in one day? Ugh! You're nothing like Master Tsunade." She continues.

She's not yet done nagging.

"Master Tsunade will sneak out just to escape work. Oh well, that was not medically related. It was plain Hidden Leaf paper works." Shizune mumbles beside me.

In the end, I did leave some of my work unfinished. I didn't like doing that, Shannaro! But due to an unplanned orientation leaving some work was not enough. I still made it early for dinner thanks for my hard work though.

I stop by a taiyaki store to get some for Sarada. I won't be bothering cooking for us since she knows how to.

For a lot of times, I would leave her with Iruka sensei due to my hectic job. Iruka sensei would teach her how to cook, do chores, or read her books.

The taiyakis are for our snacks since Sarada likes them.

As I trace closer to our new home twilight's fresh wind blew towards me.

The apartment building we're in stood there like usual. It was dark although only our floor is without a light.

Sarada should've turned it on by now unless she's asleep. Maybe she is. I remember her telling me that she will be training with Chocho.

I climbed up the stairs. I'm holding my house keys on my left.

I keyed the doorknob and it opened. It was odd. It was silent.

I don't know why I'm imagining unpleasant things. But still, I said.

"Sarada, I'm home!"

No one replied. Darkness dominated my sight. Turning the lights on, checking if my daughter is indeed home.

The shoes in the rack are in their specific places like how it was in the morning. Her slippers for the house are still in the corner.

I heaved a deep sigh calming myself and walk slowly around the house.