Keeping Aflame
Vestigial Beliefs
In the empty but never unobserved halls of the Hyuga, children matured early. Even at the tender age of five, Hinata knew the looks of disdain cast upon her were due to her weakness.
The deaths of those from whom the judgmental gazes originated were startling. She was no longer condemned; her new "family" treated her more warmly than she'd ever dreamed. A small part of her felt a desperate joy, but most of her knew only sadness.
In the empty and exquisite halls of the Hyuga, children learned to hold pride for their clan. This, Hinata did not lose.
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