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'The truth about death. You don't really die. You just go to sleep. There's no heaven or hell... well, not just yet of course. You just... dream. You're in Dreamland. You don't get to see God until Judgment Day and then you get your Up or Down. So, why don't we just say the dead are sleeping? Not give ita harsh word like, "Death", 'Dead', or "Dying". "Sleeping" sounds better. Itgives me hope that they might wake up again.
When my mom past, it was the moment she gave birth to her now youngest son, Gaara. A premature but, healthy beautiful baby boy. The day was January 19th. My father made sure that the delivery was made out to be as smooth as possible but, there's always that one thing that goes wrong, right? Whenever you plan something. To this day I still don't know what might've went wrong. All my father would say is that it was out of his control. I remember crying... shaking my mother... telling her to wake up. Hoping that she was just playing those games we used to play and she was just faking. But... she never did wake up. My mom really was a good actress, When it came time to explain to my other little brother, Kankuro what happened, I simply said that she's sleeping. That gave us... me... hope.
Our father didn't bring us to her funeral. Instead told our Uncle Yashamaru to bring us somewhere fun, to distract us. Uncle Yashamaru was truly the greatest. He gave us unconditional love, made us laugh, and cared for us when everyone else was too busy. After our mother's death, our father took on his job full time. And we barely got to see him anymore. In the past, he always made time for us. Played with us even. But, since then, nothing's the same. Its like our mother took our father's love with her. Cause we didn't fee! it anymore. Itwas no longer existent in his heart. Yashamaru ended up taking care of us full time... until he was called back into military combat and was killed in battle. And again, explaining to Kankuro and this time Gaara as well... through all the tears... "Yashamaru fell asleep."
Kankuro asked. "Just like mommy?" "Y-yeah...just like mommy."

Now six, Kankuro five, and Gaara four our father hired a nanny to take care of us while he was off at work. And knowing that we were still grieving, he decided to cut off afternoons at his {job so we would be able to see him more often. Itwas a rocky shift in our life because our father 'was still drastically depressed since our mother's passing. Some days he'd do his best to be cheerful and loving but, others he wouldn't want to talk and gave us the cold shoulder. Especially, Gaara, since he made it known that he blames him for our mother's de... sleeping. He really gave it his all. Even went as faras letting us sleep with him some nights. He always claimed that it was his way of apologizing for not being the same father he used to be but, we all know now that it was because he was lonely. I sometimes wish that Gaara had the chance to experience what a great father we used to have but, Im happy that he got a glimpse on the days our father was feeling up to being the man he used to be… What a great man he was… I miss his smile.

The last day my father was awake, he wore the brightest one. The brightest smile I've ever seen. He took us to an amusement park and went on every single ride with us. Laughed, played, and even took a picture with us… After that day… he fell asleep too…

He lasted longer than I expected he would. Four years with us was all he could give. I know waking up to see my face every day killed him inside. I'm spitting image of that beautiful women.

We couldn't stay there for long. Our country, I mean. Suna reminded us too much of our family. With Gaara's night terrors and insomnia and Kankuro's aggressive outburst increasing day by day we couldn't do this anymore. All we took with us was money, food, water, and as many family photos we could take.

We walked for three days… not knowing where we were going but, all we knew was that we were getting away from the past. We couldn't mope around and sit in the reminisce of our loved ones. We had to let go and move on. During those days we learned to love only ourselves and not trust anyone so easily. Those three days were treacherous and dangerous. In those three days, we were robbed of our food, shoved in the dirt, had to scavenge for food, beg for water, learn to fight because there was always someone out there trying to separate us, hurt us. During those three days we learned that the world is evil and it can change you. One man by the false name of Dura tricked us into trusting him. Even killed a man just to protect us and earn our trust. And he did. He gave us food and for a moment, shelter. And once we got comfortable, as my brothers went to fetch some food at market place, he was alone with me… and took advantage of the time.

I ran… ran screaming with tears in my eyes. I found my brothers and ran. Didn't stop till I saw city lights in the distance. Coming closer and closer… Ignored the questions of "What happened?" coming from my brother's mouths. Didn't stop for a break and didn't stop for the rain. I kept running till Gaara passed out and I had carry him… I didn't stop until everything went black.

When I woke up, I found myself on a futon bed. In a home that I didn't recognize. And even worst… my brothers were nowhere to be found. Panicking, I got up in a rush and pushed through the nearest door crying out for Kankuro and Gaara. Thinking they would answer but instead appeared a black haired young boy, probably a little older than me.

"Who the hell are you!?"

Seeing that I was stressed he raised his hands up as way to show that he was harmless. "My name is Itachi Uchiha. My mother found you in the streets with the aid of your brother, Kankuro. We are here to help you."

I eyed him. Frowning I asked. "Where are my brothers!?"

"They're with my mother." He said calmly. "Just follow me and I will lead you to them."

I kept my guard up. How could Kankuro just bring us to a stranger's house!? We know nothing of them! Hasn't he learned?!

Following the young boy, he lead me to what seemed to be the dining room of the household. Upon sight of my brothers I jumped.

"Kankuro, Gaara!" I hugged them. "What are you thinking? Just eating out of people's hands like this! Haven't you learned a thing? And without me, even!"

"But Temari, we were hungry. And the lady seems nice." Kankuro explained.

I snapped my head towards the women at the sink. She wore a gentle smile on her face. She had long black hair- same as the boy from before.

"I know you must be stressed from your long journey here. But please, eat and I will explain when we're all done here. Alright sweetie?"

I eyed her for a bit longer before Kankuro pulled me down to the table. Across from me was the same boy from before and next to him was a younger one. About the same age as Gaara. They both smiled and then continued eating. I didn't eat at first but since Kankuro begged, I couldn't refuse.

After eating, the women took us to the living room. There she explained that her name was Mikoto Uchiha. Late last night she heard a bagging at the door and opened it to find my brother Kankuro begging for help. He thought that we were "sleeping" and practically dragged this woman and her husband to where Kankuro left us. From there they took us in and laid Gaara and I to rest then proceeded to ask Kankuro questions. She explained that he was very limited with his answers, saying that the reason why was that I usually do all the talking and was afraid that he was going to say too much. All she knew was our age, where we were from, and how long we walked.

"Nine, eight, and an seven-years-old… walking for three days away from their country…why?" she asked.

I bit my lip. I couldn't just spill our whole life story to this woman. What if she tried to separate us? What if she tried to hurt us? I looked down at Kankuro and Gaara. Kankuro's eyes told me to trust her. So… I took a chance… and I did.