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Dear Master Archer,
I was told that I won’t be able to send letters to you after two weeks. I’m a little upset about that. I have really enjoyed our letters back and forth to each other. But at the same time, I really hope that means you’re getting better! Even though we haven’t met yet, I feel such a strong bond with you! I feel like you’re a close friend. I trust you. You get me. And I hope I have done a good job to show you just how much I appreciate you. Life feels fulfilling when we both have each other’s backs.
I still am very thankful for the birthday present you got me! That rose is absolutely beautiful. I had my mom press it for me so that I can have it forever! That was very thoughtful of you! Please, let me give you something in return!
I still can’t believe I am 13 now. Time flies. I remember you said you were 14! I hope you have a lovely 15th birthday when it comes!
I really don’t want to stop writing to you. I was hoping we could write forever and ever! But maybe one day, we will have the chance to meet in person! That would be even better!
I do want to know… why is your pen name Master Archer? It sounds so cool! You must be into archery, and I bet you’re super skilled! But, not only that, it also sounds like a cool gamer tag! You know, I am a massive gamer, of course! If we ever get the chance, we should totally play games together! Do you like Snake Duel? Ah, I am getting excited just thinking about it!
I will continue writing to you for as long as I am allowed to. I really enjoy our correspondence together. I feel like for the first time, I have a friend who gets me. Because I get you.
In the meantime, here is a picture of myself I have enclosed. My parents took this photo of me for New Year! The fireworks were really nice that night! I would have loved to have you with me. Whenever you feel lonely, just look at that picture. I promise, I’ll always be here.
Thank you for being my friend. Even though I don’t know your real name, the bond we share is real.
Until next time!
Sincerely,
Soul Houndz Girl
***
Dear Soul Houndz Girl,
The fact that us being pen pals started with your school’s class project, and you kept writing to me despite the project deadline ending means a lot more to me than you realize. It’s true, though. Eventually, I might be able to finally leave the hospital, provided treatment goes well. I’ve been here longer than I can remember. An associate of my master told me that after your assignment ended, so would your letters. I’m so happy you proved him wrong. You’re my best friend. Every time we exchange letters, I feel a sense of hope and security.
I wasn’t actually sure if you would like that flower, but I assumed it would be okay. You didn’t tell me what flowers you liked, just that you liked flowers. But it would seem that rose was the right choice! It’s cool that your mom found a way to preserve it! But please, don’t feel obligated to get me anything. Just you being my friend is more than enough.
If there was any way I could continue these letters, I would do it in a heartbeat. Perhaps one day, our paths would cross in real life! I would wish for nothing more.
The funny thing is, I picked that name as a coping mechanism, you know, as a way to be funny. In a weird, twisted way, it helped me deal with my situation. And because my master was an archer, it gives me hope that maybe I can be like him, too. But you just gave me an idea! When I get the chance, I’ll hit up the arcade, and that will be my gamer tag! I’ve never played Snake Duel. I can, however, tell you like Soul Hounds! I heard there is going to be a third installment soon!
I can’t express enough just how much that means to me. I enjoy talking with you, too. Being your friend has taught me that there is still beauty in this cruel world.
And thank you for the picture! You’re really cute! I think the world is lucky to have a girl as beautiful as you, both inside and out! Sadly, I can’t send a picture of myself. The hospital staff won’t let me. But either way, I will always treasure our friendship.
And thank you again, so much, for being my friend, too. Maybe one day, if fate allows it, we will have the chance to meet.
Your’s truly,
Master Archer
***
Many years had passed since those days. The girl often cried alone in her room. Save for her mother, she felt as though she had lost everyone important to her. She felt astray, lonely, and hopeless. There was so much despair, so much sorrow, that she didn’t know what to think.
It began with a simple school project, coupled with her father joining an elite armed force within New Eridu. From that moment on, her life changed–for better or for worse.
She often reflected on the letters she shared with a young hospital patient. She had grown so fond of the bond she shared with him, despite never knowing what he looked like, what he sounded like, or even why he was hospitalized.
None of that mattered to her. She knew deep down, he was a good boy–a sweet kid who longed for a real friend. She was happy to be that friend for him, and in time, she even developed a crush, drawn to his kindness. Even after the allotted time had come to pass, she never stopped sending letters, hoping that maybe, just maybe, he would receive at least one letter, and write back.
It didn’t get easier.
She will never forget the day her whole world came crashing down. A group of H.S.O. executive officers came knocking on the door of the apartment she lived in with her mother. One of them, a family friend she recognized quite fondly, delivered the news that her father had perished in a Hollow. While no one knew exactly what happened, he saved the lives of his teammates and several citizens. He was deemed a hero.
She knew her father would not have died so easily. Hero or not, he was regarded for his resolve and skill. But that only ignited something within her–a desire she carried ever since childhood, now burning stronger than ever.
She clutched the pressed rose her pen pal sent her, tears streaming down her cheeks.
A new sense of resolve took hold.
“You won’t have died for nothing, Dad. I will follow you in your footsteps!”