The pink-haired woman waited with the other thousands of people, bundled up with layers of coats and socks and her arms frozenly folded up against her chest. Her pink hair flowed with the brisk wind, even though it was held back with a loose pony-tail. Instead of blowing out candles and people singing to her on her special day, she chose to wait for her best gift of all.
     Everyone was anxious, cold, and tired. But out of all the feelings their faces illustrated, anticipation overpowered all.
   About half of these women, children, grandparents, and men were going to go home crying… war was a cold thing to mess with. Though no one could help holding onto hope, especially during a time of need.
   But she had to think of the bright side, he was coming home. Safe and sound. That’s what the man in the uniform said. She had to trust his word. She just had to. No one knew what would happen if he didn’t show up…not even her.
   Wishing her friends were right along with her, Sakura listened to the whistle of the train. The noise lifted the million pound weight off of her heart. In just a few minutes they’d be reunited, he’d be safe and she’d be happy.
   The rusty iron gates slowly opened, the levies, pulleys, and bolts creaked as they pushed and pulled for the first time in probably years. People slowly stood up from their uncomfortable positions on the wet concrete ground, craning their necks, each looking for a certain brave soldier that was either making their way out of the crowded ships with their own two feet…or in body bags…
   Slowly, the woman took a few steps towards the men, searching for the familiar angelic face of the picture she held dear to her heart. Hundreds of young, old and middle-aged men and women passed by her, embracing their loved ones and heading home for good.
   A few minutes passed by before she spotted him, a smile spreading across her face. She whispered his name, “Sasuke…” Her mood soon turned from sober to blissful as her legs started to move towards the raven haired man, “Sasuke!” Her voice cracked as she started to sprint towards him, dodging all the people.
   She watched as the raven haired man turned his head towards the direction her voice was coming from. He smiled, his face glowing for once. Quickly, he set his two bags down and ran up to her, lifting her small body with his tired arms as they shared their first kiss in what seemed like forever.  He was home, for good
   They pulled away from each other after what seemed an eternity, “I missed you, so much,” she whispered to him, tears streaming down her face. Sasuke smiled softly, gently sweeping tears from her face.
   “I’m home now…for good...Happy birthday, Sakura.” he murmured back, pulling his loved on in for another kiss.
    For three years she helped miracles, saved lives and saw peoples’ hearts shatter. For three years she wept herself to sleep, knowing that he might not make it back. For three years she waited and prayed every night, asking God to keep him and all the other men safe.  For three years…she never lost hope and wrote to him every day. All the tears, praying and writing suddenly didn’t become worthless anymore…He was back, to stay with her…forever.