There were a lot of things that Itachi Uchiha couldn't do. He couldn't feed himself, or use the toilet, or tie his shoes. He couldn't read or write, or get dressed without help. And he couldn't understand why his father was so mean to him. Often, Fugaku would walk into the dining room as Sasuke was feeding Itachi breakfast, and give them both a quick, pained smile. Whenever that happened, Sasuke would smile back, then turn to his brother and tell him to do the same. Yesterday had been different, though.

"Good morning, boys," Fugaku said as he walked through the dining room. "Good morning, Father," Sasuke said before encouraging Itachi to greet him in the same manner. Wanting to please Sasuke, Itachi smiled at his father and tried to repeat what he heard every morning."Guh...more...ing...Dah...ee." A bit of saliva ran down Itachi's chin as he said the last part, but he didn't notice. The teen sat still for several moments, staring at Fugaku with a hopeful expression on his face. Had he done that right...?

Why did his son-his oldest son, no less, heir to the Uchiha family fortune-have to end up like this? Itachi could have been a normal, healthy child, if it weren't for the accident. More than anything, Fugaku wished that he had just stayed home that day, but they were out of milk. He often laughed mirthlessly at the thought of it-Itachi's life was destroyed because of a simple gallon of milk. Now, though, there was absolutely nothing to laugh about. "Guh...more...ing...Dah...ee." Fugaku's heart shattered when he saw the way Itachi looked at him. Like a young child who knew they had done well and wanted a hug or a "good job, dear" from their parent.

Instead of voicing his sorrows, Fugaku smiled sadly at Itachi. "Thank you for saying that. It means a lot." When he heard those words, Itachi's eyes widened with delight. He did do it right, and Daddy was happy with him! What was he supposed to say now? Oh, yes, that's right. "You...well...come." Fugaku nodded once, then looked away quickly so his sons wouldn't notice the tears in his eyes. As he walked out the back door, he glanced over his shoulder to see Sasuke wiping Itachi's chin with a napkin, telling him how proud he was. "Since you seem to be in a talkative mood, how about saying my name?" "Sah...kay." "Great job!" Fugaku walked faster, hoping to forget about his son at work, but he knew he never could.