Hi there. This is my first story written after 7 long years of hiatus (long story short I used to have another account, but now I have this one), so sorry if my writing seems rusty (English is my second language). I promise it will improve once I start writing more.

I do not own any of the Naruto/Boruto characters.

EDIT: Hi. So, after rereading this story for a couple of times, I figured it was too bland and short and barely emotional (I don't know why I was in a hurry to post something after 7 years, since the story was pretty shitty). I was very disappointed with myself and thought about rewriting it for a couple of months now, but I lacked the time and honestly, the inspiration. Until I heard the song "In this Shirt" by The Irrepressibles and cried my eyes out. I instantly had these images in my head, and I was like 'bingo'. Also, besides rewriting this chapter, I've decided to make it a two-shot, the next chapter focusing on Sasuke.

I truly hope you will enjoy it!

Mama?

Um...Hi...

I just...I just wanted to talk to you for a little while…

..I know it's been two months since we last spoke and I am so, so sorry. But I was really upset the last time we did and-that was no reason to stop talking to you, mama…I know that now. It was really stupid of me, and I just hope that you aren't too disappointed in me.

*Sigh*

It's just that…Every time I close my eyes I see blood, mama, and I hate it. I HATE IT! I know it's not your fault, you did everything that was in your power to prevent it, but I keep having this recurring nightmare about my birthday. You and papa fighting about that STUPID mission. You two were so riled up about it, it actually scared me. Then, all of the sudden, it all turns to red and …Who knew so much blood could come out of such a small body? I certainly did not.

You always tried to protect me from dangers, from the real world of shonobi. I guess I never realized when I was young just how risky it could be. Remember when I said that being a shinobi would be the best thing in the world? How much fun it would be?

Hn.

I sometimes just want to smack my forehead with the back of my fingers, just like you used to do when you felt like I was teasing you. I was so naïve back then. No wonder that you tried to shelter me from all of it. It took me my first real mission to make me realize that all the stories you used to tell me were not exaggerated at all. Especially that time we were attacked by that creepy Shin guy. Remember? You were such a badass, mama. My friends would be in awe every time I would tell that story. To be honest, I still am.

I'm not gonna lie, I kinda feel my throat closing up right now as I recall just how shitty I treated you that day. I'm so sorry for yelling at you…that day, on our front lawn…the times you tried to make me change my mind about entering the Academy…that day you tried to interfere with my training…I just wanted to become stronger, so I could always come back to you and papa…alive and well.

I know you cried a lot because of me, mama. You thought I wouldn't notice, but your swollen eyelids never lied.

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.

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Um…no, I'm not crying, I just…I have something in my eye right now, that's all.

'Take a big breath, Sarada. You can do it.'

.

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Well, um, I don't even know where to begin..

I guess you already know that Tsunade-sama came back in the village like four months ago to take over the hospital. I know I told you I was not interested in learning medical ninjutsu, but I don't know, something changed after that day. I just found myself knocking on Tsunade-sama's door and, well, I guess I am her apprentice for the next couple of years. I'm not going to lie, it's been really hard, especially since my chakra control is nowhere near as perfect as yours. But somehow, most days, I manage.

I, um, also started volunteering at the hospital as of last month. I usually go there when Shizune-san in on call, but some days, when I just want to tune everything out, I pick up extra shifts and work with the nurses. I have learned so much from them! I'm certain most of them are being nice to me just because they know I am your daughter, but still...I really appreciate the help.

Last Tuesday, Tsunade-sama summoned me in her office to have lunch together. I caught her numerous times staring at me, with a sad smile on her face. Apparently I am the spitting image of my mother. Go figure.

.

She misses you very much. Shizune-san too.

.

Umm…yeah…

I met Ino-san the other day, at the flower shop. Still as beautiful as ever. Her hairstyle changed, though. Her hair barely reaches her collarbones now. She told me she did it because it made her look younger, but I know the truth. She had a meltdown a couple of weeks ago and cut it herself with a pair of poultry shears in her bedroom. Inojin told me. He found some strands of hair and the scissors on her nightstand, next to the photo you took after the chunnin exam.

Anyway, she stopped me to give me a beautiful bouquet of daffodils for you. She knows those are your favorite. She tried to smile while talking to me, but I could see that her eyes began to water.

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And um…papa.

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He's ok. I mean, he's seen better days, for sure. He lost some weight since the last time I talked to you, though. He barely leaves the house, doesn't speak to anybody, except me, sometimes. Whenever Hokage-sama came to visit, he would go into the bedroom and just lock himself there. I pity Hokage-sama each time. I know it is hard for him to come by our house and try to keep a cheery façade. I know he still hurts.. Everybody still does.

He doesn't get enough sleep. I can tell by his sunken eyes. I believe he is having the same nightmare as me, but whenever I ask him about it, he would shut me down. I try not to take it to heart, though. I know he is suffering. I am too.

I found your red silk ribbon when I was opening some of the boxes you stacked under my bed the last time we moved. You know, the one you used to wear when you two were traveling together before you had me? I kept it in my backpack for a couple of weeks. I don't know. Even though I was still very upset about everything, I just couldn't…It made me feel closer to you mama, and I just couldn't put it back in storage. It disappeared two days ago. I don't know if I left it somewhere or if somebody took it, but I promise you mama, I will find it.

This morning, papa saw the daffodils in the living room, by the family portrait. The dull look in his eyes that he wore since the day you left suddenly vanished. His eyes looked livelier and I swear he smiled, mama. For the first time in months, he smiled. He took my hand and sat me down and began reminiscing about your genin days, how you would bring him a daffodil every single day he was ever hospitalized. With tears in his eyes he told me about everything you ever did for him (selflessly), how you loved him even after he betrayed the village, and how even now, after all of these years, he still feels that he didn't deserve your love. He feels extremely guilty for leaving you to raise me all alone, all of those years.

He told me that you were the light to his darkness, and for the first time ever, I heard him say he loved you. Mama, I immediately started crying because, for some reason, I remembered the day papa came home and told us that he will try and spend more time in the village with us. I was ecstatic because finally, my mom, my awesome mom who raised me all by herself while also running a hospital and a Children's Clinic, had her husband home. It made my heart flutter when I saw how happy you were. Honestly, mama, you deserved the world.

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I am sorry for crying, mama, I try to be strong but sometimes I just-…

I remember the way papa screamed the night we found you…your body crushed under all that debris, your skin as white as a ghost. I swear, if it wasn't for your hair, I wouldn't have known that that thing was you…I was so scared, I didn't know what to do. I just stood there, frozen, as I saw papa dig for your broken body. The way he screamed your name and begged Kami to bring you back and take him instead… it was terrifying. It was so hard for me to see him break down like that, mama.

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Here I am, sitting in that old rocking chair you used to tell me stories in, thinking about that day, about what went wrong and how you should have listened to papa and never left the village…

.

I swear I am going to stop crying soon, mama, don't worry. I'm ok now. I promise I will take better care of papa. He misses you deeply. We both do.

So, what do you think? I would love to read your thoughts on this short story.

Laura