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Epilogue: Sunset, Sunrise
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7 years later
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''See you tomorrow, Sakura-san!'' her colleague said, waving her hand. The pinkette smiled and waved back, picking up her purse and leaving the hospital.
She felt a cold wind blow on her as soon as she stepped outside. She'd forgotten how cold it could get in Konoha during winter.
Sakura walked down the street and entered the first coffee shop she saw. Some hot chocolate would be amazing during that cold day
She was still taking a look at the menu when the waiter came to her table and placed a mug with hot chocolate on her table. She was about to say a mistake had been made because she hadn't ordered yet, when the waiter spoke:
''The woman sitting on that table ordered it for you''
When Sakura turned around to look at who it was, she smiled
''Shizune-san!''
The dark-haired woman smiled back at her and stood up, coming to sit at her table.
''When I heard you were back, I almost didn't believe it'' she commented ''It's been so long! When did you come back?''
''I arrived 6 months ago'' she admitted ''I wanted to call you, but things have been a real mess ever since I came back! I started to work on the very same day I arrived in Konoha, it was all very fast! Just so you know, I haven't even finished unpacking yet'' she confessed ''But how are you? I was surprised to hear you weren't working at the hospital anymore''
Shizune offered her a reassuring smile
''Everything's perfectly fine. I just didn't feel like dealing with the stress we always face at the hospital anymore, especially given we worked at Konoha's main hospital'' she shook her head ''No, I decided to open a small clinic now. It's much better, you know? I can see to as many patients as I want every day and be my own boss''
Sakura took her hand on the other side of the table in hers and squeezed it
''I'm glad you're doing well''
Shizune smiled
''And what about you, how was it in Suna?''
''I really missed Konoha, I must admit! But I had the best time back in Suna''
''And now you have two residencies: General surgery and Pediatric surgery''
''Yeah'' Sakura chuckled ''I'm still thinking about studying for Emergency Medicine too''
''Wow, you surely are a role model!'' Shizune praised her ''So you've spent the last 7 years working in Suna?''
Sakura shook her head
''I worked with Doctors Without Borders for 2 years'' she explained ''It was the best experience I've ever lived! You should definitely consider working with them for a year or two too!''
''That's amazing, Sakura!'' Shizune beamed ''I'm so, so happy for you'' she offered her a warm smile. To her, Sakura had always been like a younger sister ''And have you met anyone interesting during your time away?''
Sakura gave it a little thought, bringing one finger to her mouth
''I don't think so, no'' she finally said ''I was too busy working, I didn't have time for these things!'' she chuckled
''And have you considered settling down now?'' Shizune asked ''I remember you used to want to get married and have kids in the past. You're already what, 35 years old? Maybe it's time you thought about building your family''
Sakura looked down, suddenly feeling rather depressed
She didn't like to think about that
Shizune noticed Sakura became uncomfortable and quickly changed the subject:
''Well, anyway, I heard you've finally opened your clinic for children's mental health! I know it's been a dream of yours for a long time, congratulations for having finally opened it!''
Sakura managed to force a smile
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''Sakura, may I have a word with you, please?'' the Chief Physician called her
''Yes, sir?''
''Come with me to my office, please''
Sakura was wondering what she'd done wrong while they walked alongside through the hospital's corridors, and wasn't able to release her breath until he closed the door of his office behind him and smiled at her
''Please do have a seat'' he asked, pointing at one of the armchairs in the middle of the room
''Is everything alright?'' she inquired, hesitantly
''Yes'' he assured her ''The doctor who was responsible for your group of volunteers during your time at Doctors Without Borders called. He asked me to tell you the children's hospital you'd been raising funds to build back when you were volunteering was finally completely built and will be inaugurated soon''
Sakura's eyes sparkled
''That's amazing news!''
''Indeed'' he proceeded ''And it seems one of the people who donated the most to that cause lives here, in Konoha, so he was hoping you would represent everyone from Doctors Without Borders and thank the person on their behalf, invite them to the inauguration and say that this person's name is on the top of the hall of acknowledgment at the hospital''
Sakura nodded
''Where can I find this person?''
The Chief Physician then sighed and continued:
''Unfortunately, though, the person seems to have passed away three years ago'' he shook his head ''it's a real shame, they didn't get to see the hospital's inauguration''
Sakura was silent for a moment, in memory of that person, whoever that was. She was thankful for them, she knew that place needed a Children's Hospital very badly.
''Did this person have a husband or wife I could thank instead? Or children? I believe they'll be happy to know their loved one spent their money helping such a good cause''
The man in front of her nodded
''Yes. I was told the only family this person had lives in a house not far from here, I'll give you the address''
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Sakura was waiting in front of the house's gates when she heard the sound of a car approaching. It stopped in front of the gates and for a moment no one left the car. Sakura couldn't see who was driving because the windows were too dark.
Finally, the driver's door flung open, and someone came out of the car.
''You know, I could have guessed it was you'' Sakura commented as she saw the familiar silhouette move closer to her ''I wanted to buy this house, but someone bid higher for it. It made me so upset''
Sasuke smirked
''What can I say. I have a thing for cherry blossoms'' he said, looking at the beautiful trees that grew around the house. The house was at the top of a hill and from there they could have the best view Sakura had ever seen, a big river that crossing the surrounding mountains. Behind them, there was the city, but in front of them there were only trees and vegetation. From there, Sakura bet, they could watch the best sunset in the world.
Sakura chuckled, then her face turned hard again
''I'm sorry to hear about Karin'' she said
Sasuke shook his head
''Don't be. She'd been sick for a while before she finally passed away, she was suffering too much'' his voice was low ''She had a smooth death, and she managed to do everything she'd wanted to do before dying''
Sakura nodded slowly
''I'm here on the Doctors Without Borders behalf'' she explained ''Apparently she was a major donor and has contributed a lot to help us build the Children's Hospital in a needy city close to Suna''
''She dedicated the last year of her life donating all her money to this kind of causes'' Sasuke explained
''She was very noble''
Sasuke chuckled
''That she was''
There was silence for a moment, while Sasuke leaned on the fence next to Sakura, watching the horizon with her. The sun was setting, like it had been when they had last seen each other.
''How have you been? These last 7 years?''
Sakura chuckled
''If we're going to have this conversation, we'd better get something good to drink''
Sasuke smirked
''I think I have some good wine in the house. We can grab a blanket and watch the sunset if you want'' he suggested
''And perhaps have some hot chocolate later?''
He smiled widely
''If you promise me you won't let me shake it'' he offered her his hand
She looked down at it for a moment, then she smiled
And finally, she took it
''Don't worry, I got you''
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That's it, everyone! I wasn't sure if there was going to be an epilogue or not, but I wrote it just in case. And you know what? I really like how this turned out!
Thank you all SO MUCH for having read this! I hope you like it, I did my best!
Special thanks to everyone who supported me even when I was going crazy trying to figure out how I would write the ending, especially because I was prepared to receive backlash after the last chapter. You're the best!
Big hugs, everyone!
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Blackfan Diamond.