Author's Note: This is sort of like a letter (whether real or in the mind is up to the reader) that is written from Temari's point of view to Gaara before he changes. It also is meant to take place before my story, Change of Heart. It is kind of sappy but I hope it sounds heartfelt. When I wrote it I felt like I needed to vent or just write something emotional. I like to show this kinder side of Temari and know that if I was her this is what I would write (or think) about Gaara.

I know that your heart has been hardened from the years of darkness. Your once bright eyes have turned cold. But please listen to what I must say. This cannot go on. If you continue down this path, you will be lost forever. In the end, you will destroy yourself. The world has hurt you beyond what anyone could ever know. Born into a place of evil and greed, they gave you no choice in what they did to you. Yet even surrounded by the gloom, you tried your hardest to fight it. All you ever wanted was to be loved. But they turned you away, treating you with fear and loathing. Broken and bruised, you gave in to the darkness.

In defeat, you embraced the one choice you thought was left to you…that of the terrible purpose with which you were endowed. It seemed no one cared, and since no one was ever going to look out for someone like you, you decided you had to look out for yourself. Your mind was convinced you were meant to live a life of solitude, loneliness, and rejection. You gave up on ever knowing the true meaning of love. It wasn't real, not for you. In isolation there was no one to turn to for help. As the years passed, you became embittered. Your heart became buried deep underneath the pain. Kankuro and I felt you grow distant, unfeeling. The cruelty you were shown all your life began to surface, and we watched in horror as the beast inside took control. Without your will to fight it anymore, you were transformed into a monster.

My heart breaks for you, my brother. Though you may not believe me, you may not understand, I want you to know that I have always loved you. And no matter what you have done or what you will do, I will continue to love you forever. What you are doing is wrong, and it grieves me to think of how far you have fallen. You are hurting everyone. You are hurting me, you are hurting Kankuro… but most of all, you are hurting yourself.

You are scarred and callused; you believe this life you have chosen is all you have left. But that is a lie! Do not give in to the despair. Don't believe what father and Baki and the others say/tell you you are. They know nothing. Their greed and wicked intentions drive all that they do. But you, Gaara. You don't have to be that way. This is not who you were meant to be. No matter what anyone says, it is not too late for you. Your mind tells you that you have found your purpose. But I tell you the truth in that this evil way is a false purpose. You do have a purpose, dear brother, and it is one far greater than you have ever imagined. I know that one day, you will find it. You will discover that your life has meaning and value. I believe that you will overcome the darkness and will rise above the past. I have faith in you! Never give up, lonely one, because I haven't given up on you.

I know that the Gaara I once knew is hidden somewhere, deep inside you. Past the hurt and the confusion, he is waiting. I feel sure that one day, I will see him again, because you will find him. When that day comes, I will be there beside you saying 'Welcome home, brother; I knew you would find your way.' I look forward to the time when you will break free of the chains binding you, ready to start anew. Life is waiting, dear brother, as am I. But until then, be strong against the dark. I will never leave you alone.