Silence

61. Spilt Blood

Shizukana's P.O.V.

It was the last day. Being confined to these four walls was no more. By this time tomorrow, I would sign some papers and I would be free. I know I'm being dramatic, but if I stayed here, I know that my mind won't be able to take it.

It was around eleven in the morning, but there was no sight of the sun. Colossal and gloomy clouds engulfed the sky. Everyone was busy. Everyone except me. Naruto was on a mission with Jiraiya Sensei. Shikamaru was having some business with his clan and would be busy for the entire day. Kakashi Sensei told me he will come by at around half-past eleven, but I know he won't be around till noon. Sakura kept popping in and out, doing her rounds so she can get her afternoon off.

I couldn't bother switching on the lights, so I sat there in the murky atmosphere. My mind kept wandering to my apartment. I was getting homesick. The feeling of walking around on your own. The calm and quietness I had. I want it but I also don't want it. The mind is a complicated thing.

Before the incident, I loved to get lost in my mind. Unaware of the real world. But now, I feared my mind. Being trapped inside with no way to get out. Trapped under all the insecurities and fears, but I had no choice. I couldn't continue to be a burden to the people who care about me.

Just as I was about to saunter deeper into my mind, a string of knocks interrupted me. Looking towards the door, I let out a long sigh. "Come in," I called out.

Behind the door was Kakashi Sensei. He switched on the lights, causing me to wince at the sudden brightness. Seeing him made me glance at the clock. 11.05 am. I scrunched my eyebrows before giving Sensei an odd look. "You're not late. No, you're early." I spoke, making Sensei wave me off.

"Don't worry, it will not happen again," Sensei said, making me laugh. "So, are you ready for tomorrow?" Sensei asked as he walked towards me. He took a seat while I contemplated my answer. I was ready. I want to leave this room. But did I?

"I am," I answered, making Sensei give me a side glance.  "What? I am."

Kakashi Sensei raised his arms in surrender. "If you took that long to answer, then I'm not sure if you are," Sensei said before bringing his arms down.

"Well, everything has to go back." Whether or not I like it. I spoke, keeping those last few words to myself. I flashed Sensei a smile before looking at the window.

"There's going to be a heavy rain," Sensei commented. I hummed in acknowledgement. I watched as ashy clouds softly covered the sky.

Before either of us could say anything else, an array of knocks rang through the room, causing both Sensei and me to glance at each other. "Come in," Sensei spoke. The door opened to a smiling Sakura.

"Hello," Sakura greeted. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Not at all," I spoke. She walked towards us with a slight bounce on her step.

"I was thinking about heading to your apartment in a few minutes," Sakura spoke before looking at Kakashi Sensei. "If that's alright with you."

"Sure," Sensei agreed. "There's a storm coming, so the earlier the better." Kakashi Sensei added, making Sakura nod.

"I hear that it's going to be one of the biggest storms of the decade," Sakura commented, making me glance out the window. It was horrible. The grey clouds seemed to get darker and darker.

"Anything other than clothes that you may want?" Sakura asked, making me turn to her.

"Uh. Well, no, I will be going back tomorrow so there is no need to bring anything else back." I said, making her nod.