"...And then Boruto fell." Sarada finished telling the story of her latest mission.

She was returning from a little shopping with her dad. Her mom had had a very exhausting day at work, so she and Sasuke decided that they would cook dinner together.

Entering the house, the darkness and overwhelming atmosphere first caught Sarada's eye.

She knew the feeling all too well.

"Hn, we have some time." Sasuke spoke up, taking off his coat.

"Dad," he looked at his daughter with the eyebrows drawn together after hearing her tone "mom is feeling bad."

"What are you talking about..." he quieted when he noticed the lit candles. Sakura always lit them when she came home.

"Mom always did that when she was sad. I always wanted to comfort her, but she wouldn't let me go into the room. You weren't home at the door to their room.

She stopped talking further, knowing that nothing more Sasuke needed to hear.

Sarada knew he would be able to comfort her mother. She might be able to too, but Sakura didn't want to burden her daughter with her problems.

She needed her husband more than daughter in some matters, but Sarada didn't mind. Parents always did the best for their children.

"Sakura," a quiet sob, "what's wrong?"

"Nothing... just..."

"Shh, I'm here, now..." the door closed behind Sasuke and Sarada heard no more.

But she knew there was nothing to worry about.

Sasuke returned home. And with his return, the void was filled.