An asari is often forced to say goodbye to her partner,
such is the burden of a long lifespan.
Two years ago,
I knew that you would eventually leave me.

I knew that our time together
would be relatively brief.

I knew that when you drew your last breath,
I would still have centuries to live.

I knew…

I had accepted that fact,
or so I had thought.

I know I've done a terrible thing, Shepard.
Nothing I say or do
will ever make up for that.

All I can say
is that I am sorry.

I spent two years grieving for you,
and mourning your cruel departure from life.
Losing you left me feeling empty, broken.

I'm glad to see that you're alive again, Shepard.
I've missed you terribly.

But I find myself feeling afraid.
When you walked through my office door,
and I saw you alive and well again,
I just did not know how to react.

I think about your confused and pained facial expression,
and it breaks my heart.
Don't ever think that I no longer wanted you, Shepard.
I couldn't bear to see you leave me again.

I'm sorry.

When your life was mercilessly snatched from you,
I didn't want to accept it.
I blamed and hated myself,
and fought to recover your body
For your own sake.

When Cerberus told me
about their intentions with your body,
confusion, pain and distress erupted within my heart.

I wanted you back. Desperately.
I could never let you go.
Yet, I allowed these people to use you,
and willingly handed you to them.

I just did not want to accept that you were gone,
and wanted you to enjoy a second chance at life.

I let this happen
because I couldn't bear to say goodbye.

That's why I understand if you do hate me.
I'm sorry, Shepard. I am so sorry.

But please, understand this.

I'll always love you.

Although our time together
was short-lived.
I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Those months we spent together were beautiful.

I told Ms. Lawson to give this to you
the night before you travel through the relay.

This means that we may never see each other again.

I feel so damn helpless and useless,
sitting here as you head off on your mission.
But I find myself unable to get close to you.
I can't bear the thought of losing you again, Shepard.

I guess it's time to say goodbye.

You've done so much for me, Shepard.
I haven't been able to do a single thing in return.
I'm sorry.

I'll always love you, Shepard.

Shepard…

You made me happy.

Author's Note: As mentioned in the story summary, this letter is based on and inspired by Mary's heartbreaking and poignant letter to James, from the ending of Silent Hill 2. I decided to take the concept, and incorporate it into the rocky second chapter of the Shepard/Liara love story, as depicted in Mass Effect 2. As a result, any similarities between the two are entirely intentional.