Letters

*one week later*

Syaoran's eyes slowly opened as little beams of light made their way through the curtain.

He had dreamt about Sakura, about her receiving his letter and crying.

Why would she cry? 

He sighed.  I hope it was the right thing that I did, sending her that letter.

He slowly got out of bed, reluctantly getting dressed for his early morning training with his instructor.  Just as he was about to leave, someone knocked on his door.

"Wei…" Syaoran said surprised.

"Good morning, Master Li.  There is a letter for you," he said handing him the letter.

Syaoran looked down to see who it was from.  His eyes widened as he saw the name.

Sakura?

"Master Li?" Wei asked worriedly, seeing the expression on his face.

"Uh…thank you Wei," Syaoran said before quickly closing the door. 

He hesitated before opening the letter.  What am I thinking?  She couldn't possibly have answered the letter I sent her yet.  She might not even have gotten it yet.

He quickly opened the seal and took the letter out, opening it impatiently.

            Dear Syaoran,

Hi!  How are you?  I hope you and your family are doing well.  They were so kind when I visited so long ago.  Have you seen Meilin yet?  How is she?  It certainly has been a long time since I've seen her. 

Well, I know it has only been a week since you left, but I really think I need to tell you this.  I was listening to this song the other day while I was thinking about you, and somehow it helped me realize how I feel.  I thought about calling, but I think I'm too weak for that.  Anyway, ever since you left I couldn't stop thinking about what you said to me.  Then, I didn't know how I felt.  But the song made me remember so much about you and how you helped me and how much I enjoyed being with you.  And now I know how I feel and how I've felt for so long.  I'm just sorry I didn't realize it before you left.  But I'll keep the special words in my heart until I see you again.  I really want to tell them to you face to face. 

I really want to be with you again, and I'll wait as long as it takes for you to come back.  I just hope you still feel the same.

            Sakura

Syaoran could only stare at the letter, shocked at what it held. He re-read it over and over, trying to make sure it wasn't a dream or that he hadn't just made it up.  But it was real.

I can't believe this.  I never thought that she might feel this way.

His head suddenly snapped up, his eyes wide. 

The letter!  Oh no…

Syaoran sighed, and began banging his head on the wall behind him.

What am I going to do? I should never have written that letter.  What is she going to think!?

He suddenly turned and punched the wall in frustration, knocking a deep whole in it. 

He welcomed the pain in his hand.

What am I going to do?

***

"What's wrong, Touya?" Fujitaka Kinomoto asked his son.

Touya looked up at him surprised.  "Nothing."  He silently continued his breakfast.

Fujitaka looked at him, knowingly.  "You are worried about Sakura, right?" Touya didn't answer.

"I am also worried about her," he admitted.  "But I think it would be best if she just worked things out on her own.  I think all she needs is a little time."

Touya sighed.  "But she barely ever comes out of her room.  She doesn't eat all that much anymore.  She just doesn't seem all there.  She even ran into the wall the other day, and she didn't even seem to realize it."

"I know," Fujitaka said.  "But I really don't think there's anything we can do."

"The mailman just came," Touya stated, looking out the window.  He quickly got up and went to get the mail.  He stopped as he saw a letter addressed to Sakura, but there was no return address.  I wonder…that gaki just left a couple weeks ago…it better not be from him.

He slowly walked up the stairs and to the door of Sakura's room.  He knocked gently, but when no one answered, he opened the door.  Sakura was still asleep.  He walked in and left the letter on her desk.  He sighed as he looked back over at Sakura.  What's wrong with you?

After he left, Sakura slowly opened her eyes.  She had been awake the whole time, but didn't want to talk.  I can't stop thinking about Syaoran.  I wonder what he'll think about my letter.

She slowly got up and looked over at her open drawer.  Kero was still asleep.  She suddenly noticed the letter on her desk.  I guess that's what Touya brought.

She picked it up and opened it.  Her hand started to shake uncontrollably as she looked to see who it was from.

Syaoran?

She fell weakly on her bed as she began to read.

            Dear Sakura-san,

I hope you and everyone else in Tomoeda are doing fine.  I've been thinking and I decided that maybe it was wrong of me to tell you what I did before I left.  You were such a wonderful friend to me even though I didn't always treat you nicely.  You taught me a lot while I was there, especially things about myself.  You allowed me to be myself more than I ever have before.  So maybe that's how we should remain – just as friends.  I don't want you to be confused, and I certainly don't want to cause you any pain. 

Your friend,

Syaoran Li

Tears were streaming down Sakura's face by the time she finished reading the short letter.

So I was too late.  He doesn't love me anymore.  Maybe he already found someone else?...a childhood friend maybe?

Sakura clutched the letter tightly in her hand and buried her face in her pillow.

Why couldn't I know before? Why'd it take me so long to find out how I felt?  Now he'll probably laugh at that letter I wrote. 

"Sakura?" Kero asked, waking up as he heard sobs coming from the other side of the room.  "What's wrong?"

Sakura ignored him.

He flew closer, hovering over her head.  "What happened?"

"Please…please leave me alone," she mumbled.

This is all my fault.  Syaoran…

***

End of Chapter 3