In the following days, Sakura continued with her therapy sessions, gradually opening up about her feelings and experiences. Kakashi remained steadfast by her side, offering unwavering support. The process was slow and challenging, but there were moments of breakthrough and connection that provided glimpses of hope.

One day when her therapists are about to leave, Sakura suddenly blurted out something that made them stay.

"You said it's not my fault. Then why can't I let go of the guilt?" she asked.

The therapist, recognizing the importance of addressing Sakura's feelings of guilt, responded with empathy, "Guilt is a complex emotion, Sakura. It often lingers, even when we intellectually understand that certain events were beyond our control. Let's explore these feelings together. What specifically makes you feel guilty?"

Sakura hesitated before answering, her eyes focused on a distant point. "I couldn't save my baby. As a doctor, my purpose is to save lives. But when it came to my own child, I failed. I couldn't protect her. How can I not feel guilty about that?"

The therapist spoke with a gentle tone, "Sakura, it's understandable that you feel a deep sense of responsibility for your patients, but it's important to recognize that sometimes, despite our best efforts, certain outcomes are beyond our control. Losing a child is a profound and heartbreaking experience, and it's not your fault."

Sakura's brows furrowed, and a tear rolled down her cheek. "But I'm a doctor. I should have known. I should have done something differently. I didn't even know about it. How is it possible for a doctor to not feel that? Or am I really as useless as some people say that I am?"

The therapist maintained a compassionate tone, "Sakura, your grief and pain are valid, and it's natural to question yourself in such difficult circumstances. However, it's crucial to understand that medical professionals, even with their knowledge and skills, are not immune to personal tragedies. Pregnancy complications can be unpredictable and blaming yourself won't change the outcome."

Sakura's expression remained conflicted, torn between the logic of the therapist's words and the weight of her own guilt. The therapist continued, "It's common for individuals to internalize guilt, especially in situations where they couldn't prevent a loss. But it's important to show yourself the same compassion and understanding that you would offer to a patient. You're not defined by this one tragic event."

Sakura look at Kakashi, who is leaning against a wall on the far side of the room. She can't distinguish his features but she knows that he is looking at her intently. She broke her gaze and look downwards to her shaking hands.

"Sakura," Kakashi spoke softly, stepping closer to her. "It's not your fault and no one is blaming you."

The therapist nodded, acknowledging Kakashi's words. "Your husband's right, Sakura."

The opened his mouth again to say something again when Sakura cut him off. "He's not... He's... I... " she sighed. Then looked at him with questioning gaze. "Kakashi's not my husband."

The therapist paused when he heard that. He was not informed about it. He wasn't able to see her initial file as he is only supposed to just assist his master in this case. When the silver-haired man started to hover in all of the sessions he assumed he is a family member, probably an uncle or cousin, as he looked a little too old for the pink-haired woman. When they tried to get Sakura answer them with an outside stimulus, and she started chanting the man's name, he thought he is a boyfriend. When he heard the story from the very first time and seeing how the man moves and care about her, with him attending the session solo, he assumed he is the husband. He should really have read her file.

He recognized the need to navigate delicate situation he idiotically made carefully. "I apologize for any assumptions. However, what's important right now is to focus on your feelings and the challenges you're facing. Whether Kakashi is your husband or not, he cares about you deeply and wants to support you through this." he said, then bowed a little. "I'll leave for now. Sakura, we will have another session in a week." he reminded her. "I sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding, Sakura." he added.

As days turned into weeks, Sakura's therapy sessions continued, each one revealing layers of pain, guilt, and trauma. The journey towards healing was a slow and arduous process, but with the unwavering support of Kakashi and the dedicated efforts of the medical team, there were moments of progress.

Tsunade, overseeing Sakura's treatment, remained vigilant and determined to provide the best care possible. Especially after the mistaken assumptions of the assisting therapist. She does not want a repeat of it. The mental health professionals adjusted Sakura's therapy plan based on her responses, incorporating various therapeutic approaches to address the complexity of her emotional struggles.

One day, during a session focused on processing grief, Sakura spoke about the dreams that haunted her nights. The therapist, recognizing the importance of exploring these dreams, encouraged her to share more.

"In my dreams, I still see her," Sakura began, her voice soft. "My baby girl. She's so small, so fragile. I hold her, and she feels so real. Kakashi..." and she looks at his direction, "he adores her. He already gave her a shuriken-patterned blanket. Similar to the one he has when he was a child." and a tell-tale smile in her lips.

When she turned and fixed her eyes on the therapist in front of her, the man can see the look of absolute bliss in her eyes.

"It's a beautiful dream, Sakura," the therapist acknowledged, noting the genuine joy in her expression. "Tell me more about how it feels when you're in that dream, holding your baby and experiencing those moments with Kakashi."

Sakura's gaze softened as she delved into the details of her dream. "It feels like everything is perfect, even if it's just for a moment. The love and happiness in that dream are so real that it hurts to wake up and realize it was just a dream." she admitted. "But it's not like before," she added. "It hurts but It's not a crippling pain anymore. Does it make me a bad mother?" she wondered out loud.

The therapist responded with empathy, "No. It doesn't." he reassured her. "The fact that you experience moments of joy and love in your dreams is a testament to the deep connection and love you have for your child. Grief is a complex and evolving process, and your ability to find moments of comfort, even in dreams, is a natural part of that journey. And the fact that you are now starting to feel less of that pain in your heart, it means that you are already starting to accept the truth. That it's not your fault."

Sakura absorbed the therapist's words, contemplating the idea of acceptance. The journey toward healing, she realized, involved not only facing the pain but also finding moments of solace and understanding.

"But what about the guilt?" she asked, her gaze searching for answers. "How do I let go of the guilt of not being able to save her?"

The therapist spoke with a gentle tone, "Guilt is a challenging emotion, Sakura. It often lingers, but the key is to gradually shift your perspective. Recognize that, as a doctor and a mother, you did everything within your power. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, outcomes are beyond our control. It doesn't make you a bad mother. It makes you human."

Sakura listened to the therapist's words, a thoughtful expression on her face. The weight of guilt and the desire for self-forgiveness were evident in her eyes. The therapist continued, "Allow yourself the grace to understand that you did everything you could, given the circumstances. You are not defined by this one tragic event. Grief and guilt take time to navigate, but with patience and self-compassion, you can gradually release the burden you're carrying."

Sakura sighed, her shoulders slumping as if releasing some of the tension she carried. "I want to believe that. I really do. But it's hard to let go of the feeling that I failed her, that I denied Kakashi the experience."

The therapist looked at Kakashi's direction. And he allowed a small smile to grace his face. He returned his attention to Sakura. "Did you have a conversation with Kakashi about this?"

Sakura hesitated, her gaze shifting to Kakashi. There was a fleeting moment of vulnerability in her eyes before she responded, "We talked about it a few times, but it's difficult for me to fully express everything. I'm scared that he resents me, that he regrets being with me. I don't want him to blame me for what happened."

The therapist nodded, acknowledging the complex emotions entwined in Sakura's fears. "Do you want to know Kakashi's answers to that?" he asked. "He can hear us, you know."

"I know." Sakura voiced out. She knows that he can hear everything. That's the point of him being around. To make her feel not alone.

The therapist gave a small nod, recognizing the delicate nature of the situation. "Would you like to share your concerns with Kakashi? It might be an opportunity for both of you to express your feelings and understand each other better."

She furrowed her brows. She and Kakashi talked a lot when she started to recognize him. She remembers all of the reassurances that he gave to her. But he never talked about what he felt about the baby.

The therapist could sense the hesitation in Sakura. He spoke with a gentle encouragement, "Sakura, expressing your fears and concerns to Kakashi can be a crucial step in healing and strengthening your connection. It's a chance for both of you to understand each other on a deeper level. Would you like to take that step?"

Sakura took a deep breath, glancing at Kakashi, who leans against the wall, but his eyes never left her. He had been a constant statue in all of her stay in the hospital. And she knows how much he hated the place. But he was there. He is always there... for her.

The therapist continued, "Kakashi is here because he cares about you. He wants to support you through this and sharing your thoughts and fears with him can create a stronger foundation for both of you. It's okay to be vulnerable and open up."

Sakura nodded, a mixture of apprehension and determination in her eyes. She took a step towards Kakashi, her gaze locking onto his. She continued her journey as she crossed the distance between them. "Kakashi," she began, her voice steady but filled with vulnerability, "do... do you hate me?" she asked, her eyes downcast.

"No." Kakashi immediately answered her. "I could never hate you." he added. His hands are clasping her shoulders.

Sakura looked up at Kakashi, searching his eyes for any sign of deception. His response seemed sincere, but the doubts that had plagued her for so long were not easily dispelled.

"But I failed," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I couldn't save her."

Kakashi gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Sakura, you didn't fail. We faced a tragedy, and it's something neither of us could control. I never blamed you for what happened. I don't hate you. I could never hate you."

"But you... you left that night. When I told you what happened." She timidly said.

Kakashi's eyes softened, filled with regret. "Sakura, I didn't leave because I wanted to. I left because I didn't know how to handle the pain. I didn't want to burden you further with my own struggles. It was never about you. I'm sorry if it seemed that way." He apologized, but he knows that apologizes are not going to heal her wounds. "Sakura, I didn't handle that situation well. I was overwhelmed, and instead of being there for you, I made a mistake. I left because I was scared, not because I blamed you. I thought I was protecting you from my own emotions, but I see now that I should have stayed. I should have been there to support you." He moved his hands from her shoulders to her face, gently cupping it. "All that was running in my head, is that you faced a danger without me by your side, that I failed you, that I couldn't protect you. I... I was scared. I was suddenly affronted of the possibility that I almost lost you too."

Sakura's eyes welled up with tears as Kakashi spoke. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, and his words began to lift some of the heavy burden she had been carrying. The therapist observed the exchange, recognizing the significance of this moment for the two.

"I'm so sorry, Sakura," Kakashi continued, his thumb wiping away a tear that escaped her eye. "I should have been there for you, especially when you needed me the most. I let my own fears get in the way, and I regret that deeply."

Sakura nodded, her voice barely above a whisper, "I thought you left because you blamed me. I felt so alone."

Kakashi's expression turned pained, "No, Sakura. It was never about blaming you. I was scared and confused. I wanted to protect you, but I ended up hurting you more. I'm sorry."

Tears streamed down Sakura's face, but there was a mix of emotions in her eyes – relief, understanding, and a glimmer of hope. Kakashi gently wiped away her tears with his thumbs, a gesture filled with tenderness.

"Sakura, I love you," Kakashi whispered, his forehead resting against hers. "I never stopped loving you, even for a moment. I'm here for you, no matter what."

Sakura's breath hitched as she absorbed Kakashi's words. The weight of the guilt and loneliness she had been carrying seemed to lift, replaced by the warmth of Kakashi's love and sincerity. The therapist, witnessing the profound connection between them, knew that this moment held significant healing power for Sakura.

"Sakura," Kakashi spoke again, his voice soft but determined. "We can get through this together. I want to be here for you, to support you in every way I can. You're not alone, and you don't have to face this pain by yourself."

Sakura nodded, her hands finding their way to Kakashi's, holding onto him as if grounding herself in his presence. The therapist, recognizing the depth of the emotional breakthrough, chose to leave the two alone.

As the therapist quietly exited the room, Kakashi and Sakura remained locked in a heartfelt embrace. The weight of unspoken words and unaddressed emotions had been lifted, replaced by a shared understanding and a renewed commitment to each other.

"Sakura," Kakashi murmured, his voice a gentle reassurance, "we'll face whatever comes our way together. You don't have to carry this burden alone."

Sakura nodded, her tears now reflecting a mixture of relief and gratitude. She allowed herself to fully lean into Kakashi's embrace, finding solace in the warmth and security he provided.