I was hoping some answer would come to me if I gave it enough time, but ...

[ But nothing's come. Just the guilt and self-loathing for causing a friend who's already suffered their fair share a little more pain, and the fear that she's done irreparable harm. ]

I don't have many people that I consider to be true friends, Tifa ... for most of my life, I had none.

[ Her eyes fall towards the table again. ]

I don't want to lose someone I love ... not again.

[ Especially not when she's already been gifted with a second chance that most people never get. ]

The thought of talking this through is terrifying, but if I don't want to lose her, I don't know that I have another choice ...