𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙐𝙕𝙐𝙈𝘼𝙆𝙄 𝙁𝘼𝙈𝙄𝙇𝙔

Part 29

The minutes stretched on, each second feeling like an eternity as Boruto sat by Sarada's bedside, holding her limp hand in his own. His breath was shallow, panic still rising in his chest. Naruto paced back and forth near the door, his face grim, while Hinata stood at Sarada's other side, gently brushing her hair out of her face, her own worry hidden behind her calm demeanor.

The sound of rapid footsteps outside the room snapped Boruto out of his spiraling thoughts. The doctor rushed in, accompanied by a nurse, and without wasting any time, they quickly assessed Sarada’s condition.

The doctor checked her pulse and breathing while the nurse prepared some medical supplies. Boruto watched anxiously, his hands still holding Sarada's. The doctor’s face was focused, but his calm demeanor gave Boruto some hope.

After a few tense moments, the doctor straightened up and looked at the family.

"She’s stable for now, but Sarada’s body is extremely exhausted. She’s been overexerting herself," the doctor explained, his tone professional. "Her collapse was likely due to a combination of physical exhaustion and stress. She’ll need to rest completely for the next few days—no work, no strain."

Boruto nodded, relief flooding his veins, though the worry hadn’t completely left him. "Will she be okay?" he asked, his voice softer, filled with hope and fear.

The doctor offered a reassuring smile. "Yes, as long as she rests and takes it easy, she’ll recover fully. But you need to make sure she follows through with that. Her body can’t handle any more stress right now."

Boruto let out a shaky breath, the weight of his fear lifting slightly. "Thank you, doctor," he said quietly.

The doctor gave a final nod before leaving, followed by the nurse. Naruto and Hinata exchanged relieved glances, but Boruto remained by Sarada’s side, his hands trembling slightly as he caressed her fingers.

Naruto walked over and placed a hand on Boruto's shoulder. "She’s strong, son. She’ll be okay. Just take care of her."

Boruto nodded, though his gaze remained fixed on Sarada. "I know, Dad… I just— I was so scared." His voice cracked with emotion.

Hinata stepped closer, giving Boruto a comforting smile. "She’ll be alright. Just make sure she rests."

Once Naruto and Hinata left to give them some space, Boruto sat down on the edge of the bed, his hand never leaving Sarada’s. As the quiet of the room settled around them, Boruto’s mind replayed the last few minutes—his anger, his harsh words, the way Sarada had silently listened as he scolded her.

Guilt gnawed at him, making his chest tighten.

"Why didn’t you tell me?" he whispered, his voice breaking the silence. "Why did you push yourself so hard…?"

He brushed a strand of hair away from Sarada’s face, his fingers lingering on her cheek.

"I’m so sorry, Sarada… I should’ve noticed… I shouldn’t have yelled at you."

Sarada stirred faintly, her eyelids fluttering open. Her head still throbbed, and her body felt heavy, but as she focused her vision, the first thing she saw was Boruto’s worried face inches from hers.

"Boruto…?" she mumbled weakly.

Boruto’s heart leaped at the sound of her voice. "I’m here," he whispered, leaning closer. "You’re okay… You scared me."

Sarada blinked slowly, her mind still foggy, but she could feel Boruto’s hand tightly holding hers. "I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to."

Boruto shook his head quickly, guilt washing over him again. "No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you. You were already feeling bad, and I just made things worse."

Sarada smiled weakly, her fingers gently squeezing his. "You were worried… I understand."

Boruto’s eyes softened, his throat tightening as he looked down at her. "Yeah… but that doesn’t excuse it. I should’ve been paying more attention to how you were feeling."

Sarada’s smile widened slightly, though her eyes were still heavy with exhaustion. "You’re here now. That’s all that matters."

Boruto leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, his hand still holding hers. "I promise I’ll take better care of you from now on. No more pushing yourself, okay?"

Sarada nodded, her eyelids growing heavier. "Okay…"

As she drifted back to sleep, Boruto stayed by her side, determined to keep his promise. He wouldn’t let her go through this alone anymore. No matter what, he would always be there to take care of her, just like she always took care of him.