An Itachi Fanfiction [EDITING]

The Anniversary

The next morning, I woke to weak sunlight filtering through my curtains.

For a long moment, I simply stared at the ceiling.

07:15.

The glowing red numbers of my alarm clock blurred as tears slowly slid down my cheeks and soaked into my pillow. I didn't bother wiping them away.

Outside my room, I vaguely heard movement around the apartment. A cupboard opening. Footsteps. Then Sasuke's voice drifted faintly down the hallway.

"I'm leaving."

I rolled onto my side instead of answering.

The apartment door clicked shut soon after.

Silence followed.

Heavy.

Empty.

It felt like the entire world knew what day it was.

I didn't get out of bed until much later.

Even then, it took me several minutes just to force myself upright.

Time to survive another year.

By the time I finally left the apartment, the village was already alive with noise and movement. People passed me in the streets laughing, shopping, talking about missions and training and ordinary things.

It felt strange how normal the world looked on the worst day of my life.

Eventually, I found myself standing outside the Yamanaka Clan flower shop.

The bell above the door chimed softly as I stepped inside.

The scent of flowers immediately surrounded me.

Behind the counter stood Ino, who looked up in surprise the moment she saw me.

"You're not with your team today?"

I shook my head slightly.

"Not today."

"What about you?"

"My dad needed help at the shop," she replied casually.

I turned away before she could notice the tears beginning to gather in my eyes again. Pretending to browse the flowers, I quickly wiped at my face and forced myself to breathe steadily.

Rows of colourful flowers surrounded me, but eventually my attention settled on a cluster of soft pink blooms.

Long green stems.

Sword-shaped leaves.

Beautiful.

Delicate.

I reached toward one—

"Those are gladioli."

The unfamiliar voice made me pause.

I turned to see a tall blond man standing nearby.

Inoichi Yamanaka.

"They symbolise strength of character," he continued gently. "Faithfulness. Honour. Remembrance."

His expression softened slightly.

"I think they'd suit this situation perfectly."

Something in my chest tightened painfully.

Wordlessly, I picked up two stems and carried them to the counter.

I had just reached for my purse when Inoichi stopped me.

"Why don't you take them?"

I blinked in surprise. "I can't accept that."

He smiled sadly.