Dear Zack,

I haven't seen you in a while. I guess I should expect it, with you being a SOLDIER. I wish you'd come around more often, though. Do you remember the last time I called you? You said you'd come. I hope you get here soon.

Remember the day you fell through my sky and landed in the church? You talked in your sleep and mumbled things. I wasn't sure who you were. In fact, I was a little scared. I've always been nervous of the sky; the things that fell out of it were never good things, except for the rain. But never before had the sky dropped a person. And in my church, as well. I didn't know what to expect. But then I called out and you opened your eyes. And something changed. I knew you weren't bad.

You seem to be away a lot lately. The last time you came by was months ago. Have you been busy? I know things have been hard since your mentor Angeal died. It was as if the light in you went out, even just for a few minutes. When you cried, my heart broke for you. I wanted nothing more than to hold you and be there for you, so you would not have to feel alone. I'm sure you did anyway. Grief stays with you no matter where you go and who you're with; only time can soften it completely. I hope you're doing better.

The flowers have been blooming well lately. They look beautiful, and people seem to really enjoy them. You should see the smiles they bring to peoples' faces when they buy them. I would have never thought of selling them if you hadn't helped. If it weren't for you, the flowers would've remained hidden, and Midgar would be that much less happy. They need all the happiness they can find right now.

I hope you come back someday soon. You still have my wish, I hope. It gets a bit lonely around here when you're gone. Even the flowers seem to be a little less colorful. When you're gone, I miss your jokes and stories while I'm working, and your hands that fix my cart when the wheels come loose. I miss your eyes, the color of the sky. The longer you're gone, the more I wish you'd come back to say hello. In case anything happens to me or you, know that I love you. It's a funny thing to say so simply, but it's true.

I hope wherever you are, you are safe. I miss you. Come visit soon. I'll be waiting.

Aerith