September 30

To you, the reader.

I know that no one wants to read a letter from someone they don't even know, but I figured I'd take a chance.

My name is Kaiya Minami. I am a fifteen year old girl with neither friends nor family. I'd rather not talk about my parents and my friends left without a word. I still search for a reason why. I have been living alone for a year now. Living in a single room apartment, surviving on what my parents have left for me. My younger sister, Keira, was taken in by my aunt. When the social worker asked my aunt if she wanted to take me in as well, she said no. After that I was left alone to hug my knees.

In truth, I am looking for someone who is willing to hear my story. If you are, I only ask that you send something back. Be it one simple word or a mere blank sheet of paper.

~Kaiya

Sephiroth walked into his office, as this was routine schedule. He sat down behind the immense desk and began to check the "in" basket for the days paperwork. As he was skimming through the papers, a small rectangular envelope slid out and landed on his desk, address facing up. Usually the General would push it aside much like the other fan letters. Yet for some reason he couldn't bring himself to do so. It was like it was calling to him, pulling him closer.

Picking up the envelope, he examined it with careful eyes. There was no sign of the strong, nose-burning sent of perfume. No lip marks from the pressing of painted red and purple lips. The address was written in a neat cursive script. It was much like his own hand writing except it was clearly more feminine.

Curiosity took over his senses. Sephiroth put the rather large stack of papers down and turned the envelope over in his hands. There was a paw print made of ink on the opening of the envelope. He slid a leather gloved finger underneath, opening the letter flawlessly. After taking his gloves off, Sephiroth took out the letter. The ink that covered the small paper was thick, but the letters were thin. Probably written with something permanent and fine point. It didn't take him long to read the letter.

Sephiroth was left somewhat baffled. He didn't know what to make of it. Should he reply? If he did, what would he say. In truth, he really didn't have to say anything. But he felt rude and guilty at the thought of sending a blank page.

The silverette leaned back into his chair and continued to stare at the un folded paper. A knock on his door filled in the silence. Sephiroth said a quick enter. His burly dark haired friend, Angeal, walked into his office. Angeal noticed the General's slightly troubled expression which was rare.

"Did something happen?" Angeal asked with concern.

Sephiroth finally moved to motion his head toward the paper that laid heavy against the black wood of the desk. Angeal walked over to the desk, picked up the letter and sat in the chair across from his friend. It was only a matter of seconds until the burly SOLDIER finished reading.

"You going to answer her?" The question was straight forward and to the point. Sephiroth sighed heavily before replying.

"I'm considering it." He surprised both Angeal and himself with his answer.

"Well. I'd love to stay and help but Zack has been nagging me for some extra training. I just wanted to stop by and see how you were doing. Heard Genesis gave you a hard time." the fellow First Class got out of his chair and walked to the door. Opening it, he looked over his shoulder.

"Oh, and if it were me, I'd answer her. But that's just my nature," He walked out and shut the door softly behind him.

Sephiroth stared at the door. Tapping his finger against the wood he made a decision. Picking up a pen and blank sheet of printer paper, he wrote:

I'm here.

And I'm listening.

The words were small and simple; they meant nothing to all yet everything to some. He carefully folded the paper into three perfect, symmetrical rectangles and sealed into an envelope. After copying down the address, he took a stamp and applied it. Sephiroth placed the letter in the "out" basket. He picked up the letter from the girl, Kaiya, and locked it securely in his drawer.