Drabble Rating: K
Status: 26/45
Word Count: 265 words
Warning: None.
Theme: Shadows
When he walks down the dusty trail, he always stares at the ground, watching his shadow alongside himself rushing through the grass playfully. It was his one companion that never left him, even at night despite how hard it was to find him.
His shadow was his friend. He always listened, never mouthed him off, and never turned its back on him. He didn't have to worry about the shadow thinking about the Kyuubi; the shadow didn't care.
The shadow was a very good friend indeed. He always played with him, never ate so he was an affordable friend, and often helped him overcome some childhood fears (like the boogie man in the closet).
But his shadow wasn't always a good friend. When he was sad, the shadow wouldn't pat him on the shoulder, or hug him while he was lonely. The shadow never gave him advice when he really needed it, or talk to him when the silence was overwhelming at times.
So here he stood on that same dusty trail, staring at his shadow. His shadow was staring back wordlessly, hand dropped to its side…
…until another shadow reached out and took his shadow's hand.
He looked up to see the new shadow's own friend and saw a dark haired boy who was gazing at him with concern.
"You okay?" Came a soft voice.
Naruto sniffled, nodding.
The boy smiled. "You want to go to the park and play?"
Naruto smiled and nodded.
Now when he looks at his shadow, he sees that his shadow is no longer alone--
--and neither is he.