Days passed and Tsunade didn't see any improvement on Sakura. If she's not screaming hysterically and throws everything she can throw on her nurses and Kakashi, she's murmuring Kakashi's name. Or just staring blindly on the ceiling.
Tsunade called for a team of mental health professionals to assess Sakura's condition more thoroughly. They conducted various tests and interviews to understand the depth of her trauma. Kakashi, feeling a sense of responsibility, attended every session, hoping to offer any insight that might help Sakura.
During one of the sessions, Sakura sat silently, her eyes distant as the mental health professionals asked her questions. Kakashi, sitting beside her, observed the process with a heavy heart. The professionals asked him to interact with her, but when Sakura started to asking where he is even though he was just in front of her, they already drawn their conclusion. They discussed their findings with Tsunade afterward, and the consensus was that Sakura was experiencing severe dissociation and post-traumatic stress.
Tsunade, while concerned, was determined to find a way to help Sakura. She discussed the treatment options with the mental health professionals and decided to start Sakura on a carefully planned therapy regimen. Alongside therapy, they also recommended medication to help stabilize her emotions.
Kakashi continued to stay by Sakura's side, attending therapy sessions with her and providing the emotional support she needed. The days were long and challenging, but he remained committed to helping Sakura heal. He learned about the importance of creating a safe and stable environment for her, ensuring she felt secure and loved.
As the therapy sessions progressed, Sakura slowly began to show signs of improvement. The professionals were cautiously optimistic, recognizing that healing from such trauma would take time. Kakashi and Tsunade were relieved to see Sakura responding to the treatment, even if it was a gradual process.
One day, during a therapy session, Sakura spoke with detached voice.
"Sometimes, I dream that I was holding her." she started. "Holding my baby. She's so beautiful. She looks just like Kakashi with her silver hair and grey eyes. She didn't have any of my features in her face. I'm glad. My features will just ruin it."
The therapist listened attentively, recognizing the significance of Sakura's words. They delicately guided her through the discussion, allowing her to express her feelings and thoughts without judgment.
"That dream sounds very emotional for you," the therapist acknowledged. "Tell me more about it. How does it make you feel?"
Sakura's distant gaze lingered on a point in the room as she spoke. "In the dream, I feel… I… I am happy. Holding her brings this warmth and joy, and for a moment, everything feels right. Kakashi is there, too. His mask is pooling around his neck. And in just one breath I can see the two most beautiful people in the world."
The therapist nodded, encouraging Sakura to continue sharing her feelings. "It sounds like a beautiful and comforting dream. What emotions does it evoke when you wake up from it?"
Sakura's expression remained distant, but a subtle sadness crept into her eyes. "It hurts. It reminds me of the ones I lost. My baby forever lost because of me. Kakashi left, he's never going to return to me."
The therapist approached the topic delicately, aiming to guide Sakura through her emotions. "Sakura, let's explore those thoughts. Why do you believe Kakashi left and won't return?"
Sakura's eyes flickered with a mixture of confusion and pain. "He left when I needed him the most. He said he hates me. I can't find him, and I can't bear the thought of facing him." her breathing became ragged. "Okaa-san tried to make me believe that he loves me. But he left. Until now, he's still gone. He will never return."
The therapist spoke with a calm and soothing tone, "Sakura, I understand that these thoughts and feelings are causing you a lot of pain. Let's explore them together, okay? When you think about Kakashi leaving, what emotions does it bring up for you?"
Sakura's voice trembled slightly as she responded, "It makes me feel abandoned. Like I'm not worth staying for. I keep replaying that night, and I can't shake the feeling that he hates me. Then I woke up here. I don't know why I was here. Or who brought me here."
The therapist continued to guide Sakura through her thoughts and emotions, helping her explore the roots of her pain. They gently delved into the events that led to Kakashi's departure from their home on that fateful night.
As Sakura shared her feelings of abandonment and self-blame, the therapist provided a safe space for her to express herself. They worked on identifying distorted thoughts and challenging negative beliefs, aiming to reframe them with a more balanced perspective.
"Sakura, it's understandable that you're feeling a deep sense of loss and abandonment," the therapist said compassionately. "But it's important to question whether those thoughts align with reality. Let's explore the possibility that Kakashi's actions might have been influenced by his own struggles and not a reflection of how he truly feels about you."
Sakura's brows furrowed together, trying to understand the words directed to her. "Kakashi never leaves those he cares about." she defended him. Even though it hurts that he left her, she will still defend him. She knows him better than anyone. "The mere fact that he left me means something. No need to twist reality."
The therapist nodded, acknowledging Sakura's perspective. "Your feelings are valid, Sakura, and it's natural to feel hurt by the events that transpired. But let's also consider that people, including Kakashi, can sometimes make choices that are influenced by their own pain and struggles. It doesn't necessarily mean he doesn't care about you."
Anger rose in Sakura's chest, and her breathing became more ragged. "I'm a doctor too, you know." And for the first time since the sessions started, intense emotions colored her voice. "No need to lie to me. We, doctors, do not lie to our patients. So, stop making me believe that Kakashi still cares. Who can love a failure doctor? I saved countless of lives, in this hospital and during the war. But I cannot save my own child. Do you know how that feels?"
The therapist maintained a calm and empathetic demeanor, recognizing the intensity of Sakura's emotions. "Sakura, it's clear that you're carrying a heavy burden of guilt and pain. Losing a child is an unimaginable and devastating experience. It's important to acknowledge and process those emotions. And as a doctor, you know that sometimes circumstances are beyond our control."
Sakura's gaze remained distant, her fists clenched at her sides. The therapist continued, "Blaming yourself is a natural response, but it's essential to understand that it wasn't your fault. Grief can cloud our judgment, making it difficult to see the truth. Let's work together to navigate through these difficult emotions and find a path towards healing."
Sakura clenched her hands into fists as she listened to the doctor's words. But she didn't return his gaze. Then she laughed without true mirth. A sound that bubbled in her chest, then to her mouth. She had been laughing maniacally for minutes before she calmed down. "Tell that to the child that I lost, doctor. See if she can answer you." she spat. "Just kill me, will you?"
The therapist, maintaining composure and compassion, responded gently, "Sakura, I understand the depth of your pain, and I'm here to help you navigate through it. Ending your life is not the solution. Let's work together to find healthier ways to cope with these overwhelming emotions."
But Sakura didn't listen. Instead, she bowed down and bit the inside of her wrist, trying to break her vein. When Kakashi saw this, he immediately rushed to her side and applied pressure to her jaw to make her let go of her wrist. Sakura whimpered and released. Her mouth bloody as she was able to break the skin.
Kakashi's heart raced with panic as he saw Sakura's desperate attempt to harm herself. He held onto her tightly, preventing any further harm. The therapist and medical staff swiftly intervened, providing immediate care for Sakura's injuries.
"Sakura, please," Kakashi pleaded, his voice filled with anguish. "You don't have to do this. I'm here." Sakura struggled against his hold, but he didn't let her go. He tightened his arms around her. "Please, Sakura. Stop this."
The medical staff quickly administered emergency care to Sakura's injured wrist, addressing the self-inflicted wounds. The therapist spoke in a soothing tone, attempting to calm Sakura and guide her away from the harmful behavior.
"Sakura, we're here to help you," the therapist said gently. "Harming yourself won't ease the pain you're feeling. Let us support you through this."
Tsunade, alerted by the commotion, hurriedly entered the room. She assessed the situation and directed the medical staff to continue with the necessary treatment. Kakashi, still holding onto Sakura, felt a profound sense of desperation and fear for her well-being.
"Sakura, please, don't hurt yourself," Kakashi pleaded, his voice cracking with emotion. "I can't bear to see you in pain. Let us help you through this."
When Kakashi felt her tears wet his shoulder, he adjusted his hold on her. He slid his arm to the small of her back while his other hand stroke her hair. He pulled away slightly to look at her. "Sakura, look at me."
Sakura's tear-filled eyes met Kakashi's, her expression a mix of pain, confusion, and desperation. The room was filled with a heavy silence as Kakashi gently guided her hand to his face, his eyes reflecting the love and concern he felt for her. He helped Sakura hook her finger on the edge of his mask. "It's me, Sakura," he whispered. "Remove the mask, you'll see that it's really me."
Sakura hesitated for a moment, her tearful gaze locked onto Kakashi's masked face. With a shaky breath, she carefully pulled the mask away, revealing Kakashi's face. His grey eyes met hers, conveying a depth of emotion that went beyond words. The room seemed to hold its breath as Sakura stared at him, searching for something familiar and grounding.
Her thumb gently traced the small mole on his chin. Her eyes drawn to it.
Kakashi's exposed face held no secrets, only the genuine concern and love he felt for her. "See, Sakura? It's me," he said softly, his eyes pleading for her to recognize him. "It's me, Sakura," he repeated, his voice tender. "I'm right here with you. You're not alone, and I'm not leaving."
Sakura stared at him for a moment, as if searching for something in his eyes. The room was filled with a heavy silence, broken only by the gentle sounds of the medical staff continuing their work to treat her injuries.
Finally, Sakura spoke in a quiet, trembling voice, "Kakashi... you're really here?" Her fingers traced the contours of his face, as if reassuring herself of his presence.
Kakashi nodded, his eyes softening with relief. "I'm here, Sakura. I'm here. You're not alone."
Sakura's gaze remained locked onto Kakashi's face, and slowly, a glimmer of recognition and understanding seemed to dawn in her eyes. The weight of the emotional turmoil she carried began to ease as she realized that Kakashi was indeed with her.
"I thought you left," Sakura whispered, her voice filled with vulnerability. "You left that night. You didn't come back; I was looking for you. I can't… I can't find you."
Kakashi cupped Sakura's face gently, wiping away the tears that stained her cheeks. "I didn't leave, Sakura. I never left you. I'm right here with you," he reassured her, his voice steady and filled with sincerity. "I'm sorry if it seemed that way. I'll never leave you, especially in your times of need."
Sakura's eyes searched Kakashi's, seeking confirmation and reassurance. The room, once filled with tension, now held a fragile sense of relief. Tsunade, observing the interaction, felt a mixture of relief and concern. Sakura's emotional state remained fragile, but the connection she was reestablishing with Kakashi was a positive sign.
The therapist spoke with a gentle tone, "Sakura, it's important to recognize the people who are here to support you. Let them be your strength in this difficult time."
Sakura, still holding Kakashi's face, nodded slowly. "I... I don't want to be alone," she admitted, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"You're not alone," Kakashi reassured her, his thumb wiping away her tears. "You're never going to be alone. I'm here. You hear me, Sakura? I'm here. I'm never leaving you. Please, listen to me." Kakashi took hold of Sakura's face. "I will never leave you. You hear me?"
Sakura nodded, her grip on Kakashi's face tightening slightly. The room seemed to shift as the weight of the moment hung in the air. Tsunade and the therapist exchanged a subtle glance, acknowledging the progress that had been made in that vulnerable moment.
The therapist spoke again, "Sakura, let's continue working together. We're here to support you through this journey of healing. You don't have to face it alone."
As the medical staff completed the treatment for Sakura's self-inflicted wounds, they maintained a vigilant watch over her. The therapist discussed the need for ongoing therapy and support to address the underlying issues contributing to Sakura's emotional distress.
