The hallway was also silent. It was wee hours into the morning, and only few nurses were making their hourly rounds, checking on the patients' well being. Temari walked slowly, supported by her brother from one side, his arm around her waist, holding her firmly, offering her extra sense of security just in case she needed it.

"So...how long was I asleep?"

Gaara glanced at her face, and suddenly realized that his big sister ...looked... years beyond her age.

"Three days."

He stated.

"Three days and seventeen hours if you count today..."

She gave a meaningful look to her bandaged up side.

"How bad was it?"

"Pretty bad."

He was blunt.
"Anything I should know about?"

He looked her in the eyes and chewed on his lip.

"I...I don't.."

She smiled.

"You make a terrible liar. Tell me the truth."

Gaara could see glints of tears in her eyes. She was such a brave girl. He suddenly felt something sting him. He has never felt this before...

"Well...the doctor said you'll recover..."

"But...?"

"The chances of you being the way you were are slim. Pretty much non existent. Your life as a shinobi is over, Temari."

She didn't cry. Even though for a moment he wished she did. She smiled and fell quiet. They continued on walking in complete silence, him wondering if she's going to start screaming from the emotional torment, and her simply struggling to breathe. Gaara knew what being a shinobi meant to his sister. He knew how much pride she took in it. It was her life. Striving to be the best, being the part of Sunagakure Number ONE chuunin team was her life. That was her energy. It was her essence.

"Temari.."

"Hm?"

She looked at him, and he saw the glimpse of emotional torment in her eyes. But that was only a moment's vision.

"Are... are you okay?"

She smiled.

"Come on now. Don't treat me like I'm disabled. I'm fine. Just let me heal and I'll be as good as ever."

He smiled.

"Right."

He didn't see the tears she spilt on the white hospital pillow, and the crimson stains left on the blanket from her torn and tormented lips. He wasn't there, when she couldn't stop shaking from the silent rage of hurt and anger. And when she couldn't stop crying there was no one to comfort her. She was alone. And she wouldn't have it any other way.