Chapter 8: Frustration

Kakashi sat, fully hidden, on a sturdy tree branch, his favorite book in his hand, as he faced Kohana's window. He had been looking after Kohana as instructed by the Hokage. Despite sometimes feeling bored of watching Kohana eat and sleep, he preferred this mission to the arduous ones he was usually assigned. Moreover, he had a chance to observe Kohana without feeling as if he were invading her space; he could blame Tsuande for having seen some of Kohana's private moments.

Kohana slowly gained control over her upper body muscles thanks to two kind nurses who oversaw her physical therapy. However, her legs remained stiff with limited mobility. During her sessions, she often stumbled and almost collapsed to the floor several times. This task was extremely maddening for her; she was so used to being independent that the sudden reliance on others made her feel like a burden.

Kakashi knew that when she thought no one was looking, she would succumb to childish tears and fling her pillow across the room. She would then crawl on the floor to retrieve the battered pillow, not wanting to explain to the nurses as to how it ended up from her bed to the ground. Yet, her frustration was nothing compared to the anxiety and fear she experienced in her recurring nightmares, during which she moaned and thrashed around in her covers.

Kakashi simply watched these episodes unable to do anything more. He was too familiar with her personality; he understood that comforting her when she was so vulnerable with her emotions would only result in a one-sided shouting match. He did not expect her to cry on his shoulder especially when she point blank told him to get lost the other day. But, today would be different and to both their surprise, Kakashi and Kohana would end up in each other's company.

It was morning and most of Konoha had not risen. Kohana wistfully looked at the bright sunny sky that shone over the village. How long had it been since she stepped outside? After five years of being away, she just wanted to roam around in her childhood home. A small smile adorned her lips as she reminisced over her younger days in Konoha. Her reverie was broken when her room door opened and Sakura walked in, holding her breakfast tray.

"Ohayo, Kohana-chan! I've got your breakfast", the prodigious medic sang, her pink hair slightly swaying.

"Arigatou, Sakura-chan. How are you today?"

Sakura smiled, "I'm great! And I would say you're doing well too. The nurses have been telling me about your therapy sessions."

Kohana pouted, "Really. I feel the exact opposite." She glanced through her window again, "It's so beautiful outside."

Sakura smiled gently, correctly guessing her thoughts. "I know it's frustrating."

Kohana asked, "Do you know when I'm scheduled for therapy today?"

Sakura checked her timetable. "Ah, it seems that the nurses taking care of you are doing night shifts this weekend. I'll check if someone else would be available, but it's not a bad idea to take a break."

"But, I feel fine", Kohana protested. "I'm not tired or anything. Please, Sakura."

Sakura nodded, " Alright. Let me see."

Kohana stared hopelessly at the wall. It had been three hours since Sakura left. No one had come, and her legs dangled limply over her bed. She considered trying to walk on her own, but knew it was a lost cause. She could barely stand up by herself, let alone take a few steps.

She groaned, and put her head in her hands trying to numb her mind. As much as she wanted to walk freely again, that was not the only reason she insisted on daily therapy. The sessions occupied her mind and body for the entirety of the day, leaving the horrible flashbacks for the night.

She yelped when her window flew open and Kakashi gracefully jumped through.

Her eyes narrowed, "What are you doing here?"

Kakashi waved, "Ah, well, I've been appointed as your therapist for today. Would you like to try outside?"