The fight was over but the hurt had just begun for Michael. Maria's death during their fight with the skins had killed his heart. Now all he had left was a shoebox full of letters, which she had told him to read, but he didn't know if he could face it. Could he go through the pain again? Should he open the wounds again? It was Maria's last wish so he thought it would be best to open it. Sitting on the cliff near where the pods were hidden, he lifted out the first letter and started reading.

Dear Michael,

O.k. this seems weird. I just thought you should understand how much I love you. These letters begin from the day we first kissed. Since your reading this I guess I'm dead. Please don't cry for me. I fought loving you, fighting for you, knowing the risks. I took these risks because you mean so much to me. I don't want you to live the rest of your life blaming yourself for my death. Don't think of me as dead, I hope to live on in your heart. I love you spaceboy, always. I'll always be by your side. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for letting me in your heart. Thank you for teaching me how to love. I want you to know my heart like I knew yours. Please read the rest of these letters. I know they bring you pain but just think of it as my last request.

Luv you always

Maria

A tear rolled down his cheek and fell on the letter smudging Maria's name. He could feel Maria's presence near him; he longed to hold her again. He wanted to hear her complain about how useless he was just one more time. It hurt knowing that he would never hear her voice again.