Here After

Reunion

Sakura set her foot in front of the tall gate with a huge symbol of a symetrical paper fan. She pushed the bell button on the left side of the huge wall.

"Sumimasen, is this Uchiha Itachi's residence?" She asked from the voice box.

"Yes, Sakura chan, please come inside," Answered Itachi himself. The gate click-ed opened.

Sakura ascended the seamless pavement of stair. She was enjoying herself walking through the large yard as she was enjoying the view along the neighborhood. She saw some of the classical japanese houses and towering trees along the way, which brought awhole different ambience she used to have in bustling Tokyo.

Eventhough it was covered by snow, Uchiha's frontyard trees were cheered up the white yard. So many bonsais propped here and there aesthetically; as Sakura walked on the peble stepping toward the front door.

A middle aged lady with bright black eyes and sweet smile welcomed Sakura by the dark wooden door. It was strange that she felt as though she was coming home after a very long time. Mikoto's tight embrace made the strange feeling became perfectly fine.

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h E R e • a F t e R

6.

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Tokyo, 2011
One week before Chrismast

"Thank you, Sakura-chan, you're willing to come here and see me," said Mikoto, her eyes brimmed with tears, "Fugaku and I were longing to meet you, but... here you are, finally."

Sakura was smiling from ear to ear, "I'm so happy to finally meet you, Mikoto-san. Thank you for inviting me."

Across from their seat Itachi was watching the whole warm scene with a contented smile.

"And thank you so much for helping Itachi-kun."

"As I was supposed to, Mikoto-san."

"I don't know why am I feeling it, but I was so overjoy and proud to know that you're a cardiologist now. How's life going, Sakura-chan? And where do you live right now?"

There was a glimpse of compassion mixed with slight fear in Mikoto's last question.

"Everything is great, Mikoto-san. lt's been a while since I visited Asakusa, and thanks to you I finally have another place to visit beside the shrines.

Anyway I live two blocks away from the University of Tokyo Hospital, Mikoto-san. I've lived there since I moved from Hokkaido."

"The house—is that what they... "

Sakura quickly nodded. "Yes, it is. Located inside very lovely, friendly neighborhood and only ten minutes away from the hospital. I am so lucky."

"Mother, how do you know about Sakura-san's house?" Itachi raised his eyebrows.

"There was a reason why your father and I wanted to meet her for so long, my dear."

Itachi got little bit more confused.

"Because she's always like a daughter to me, and also we owe her a great deal."