Letter Two
Aburame Shino to Inuzaka Kiba
To Kiba:
Hinata came out of her healing coma and awoke a bit ago. The medics managed to save her, but her breathing still appears erratic. I do not believe she has fully recuperated from the results of her battle with Neji, though her condition has improved.
The scent of blood in her room is thick, even to me without a trained, enhanced nose. She is literally bleeding on the inside, as before. There is a sort of waking horror in the fact that the sterility of the hospital room has been contaminated by the blood from her body and the drugs used to heal. The room is white, as you know, as are the sheets and pillows. It seems a pity to insult it with the crimson fluids she breathes out at times. The blood flows… desecrating her eyes, even. She has not opened her eyes yet. I was unsure of whether this was because she simply cannot or does not wish to, but the doctor claimed it was because she did not wish to. I do not wish to see her white eyes yet, either. I am afraid that I might see her bleeding there as well.
The walls are cold and seem to trap us inside, making us victim of the decisions of the harried doctors and nurses who run the place. I believe that the Noble Clan of Hyuuga will take her away from this place as soon as she is pronounced "stable"--- possibly to keep her inside the clan's compound so that it will be easier to control her. The hospital walls will not hinder her from leaving then, but I fear for her once she has returned to her family grounds; the cousin who caused her such injury lives there, as all her relatives do. Her safety may be at risk. After all, did we not see for ourselves numerous times how little worth the Hyuuga's place upon their daughter? But we are powerless in that regard.
She was well enough to dictate and sign a short letter before lying down and just breathing. The fresh bloodstains from a recent coughing fit were still on her blanket. I have rarely felt this deep disgust for blood before.
I am afraid this missive has been drawn out too long. It was intended to be a simple message informing you of the progress in Hinata's situation. It may be best if you come and see for yourself.
Shino
