Dear Sakura

 by Amazoness Duo and G.P.

 amazonessduo@hotmail.com

 pearsong1954@yahoo.com

 

 Dear Sakura-chan,

 	You don’t have to be in any rush to get back to me. I’m always

 happy to receive any letters from you, but don’t worry about how long

 it takes. I understand how busy Sakura-chan’s life must be with

 starting all over in China and with a new husband and family. So

 please don’t worry yourself, Sakura-chan. And if you ever need to

 call me, please don’t hesitate. I would always love to hear your

 voice again and if you need someone to talk to about anything, you

 know you can always trust me. I can pay the bill for any calls you

 make as well. It would be worth it just to hear you. I don’t think

 anything you ever talk 

 about is silly. Sakura-chan’s mind moves around a lot like a

 meandering ocean breeze, moving through all sorts of wonderful

 thoughts. I’ve always found whatever you want to talk about

 fascinating because I love just being able to talk with you, to be

 able to hear your thoughts and feelings on things. Some of my fondest

 memories are of when we were together, talking about the most trivial

 of things, without a care in the world. You looked so free. I wished

 I could be that free. That you could teach me to soar. But it was

 enough to watch you. I hope that freedom of a gentle breeze never

 leaves you, Sakura-chan.

 	I’m very happy that Sakura-chan liked all of the things I’ve sent.

 I was hoping you would. I have an idea or two for the doll’s hair

 that I’m working into the design so that hopefully little girls will

 be able to play with her hair the way they want to more. I always

 enjoyed trying out new hairstyles myself, so I want to keep that with

 the doll. She still needs a name, but we don’t need to worry about

 that yet. I’m thinking something like Hanako. ‘Flower Child’. That

 would be pretty. She does look a lot like you, but you were always

 the girl I sketched when I was making my designs. You were just so

 pretty. So I think 

 she looks cute, sharing some of your features. Maybe she can even be

 a magical girl. I’ll send you one of the first dolls we produce for

 all of the inspiration you have always given me. And it meant so much

 to me to hear that you liked the cassette I sent you. I haven’t sung

 to anyone but myself in so long that I wasn’t sure how it would come

 out. I’m so very sorry that it made you cry, but I’m glad that it

 managed to touch you. Maybe I shouldn’t have added that last song

 after all. It was pretty sad. I know what you mean about thinking

 things would 

 always stay the way they were, Sakura-chan. I always knew that you

 would leave me someday, but I hadn’t expected it so soon. I guess it

 took me by surprise. I knew we’d have to part ways one day, but I

 always wanted it to be tomorrow, never today. Sometimes it’s hard for

 me to remember that you aren’t the same little girl that I first met.

 You’re still the same vibrant, loving soul, but you’ve grown up. And

 I’m so proud of you. You’re starting your own family now, starting a

 new life in China with the one you love. I hope all of your dreams

 come true. But sometimes I can’t help but look out at the stars at

 night and think that the heavens are crying, missing Sakura-chan as

 much as I 

 do.

 	That’s great that the recipes worked out so well for Sakura-chan!

 You can do such wonderful things when you put your mind to it. I knew

 it would turn out perfectly for you. It really did look delicious. It

 got me thinking about if you had anymore trouble cooking because I

 know you can’t just use the same recipes over and over again. So I

 went and got my camcorder out from the attic and decided to put

 together a few more recipes for Sakura-chan. What you said about me

 by your side sent a trill through my heart. We have a very good chef

 so I had her teach me some more recipes. I went through the entire

 recipe on video and taped myself making the successful dishes. I’ll

 try to send more when 

 I have more time to cook. I really hope they help. I thought it

 would be a good job for my old camcorder. It isn’t capturing images

 of the most beautiful object I could find for it, but I can still

 send you these videotapes with me in them. Hopefully they’ll help

 with your cooking. And so you won’t forget me. I’m glad that Ieran-

 sama still thinks of me fondly. I think she understood some things I

 was dealing with when we were in Hong Kong.

 	Thank you for sending more pictures! I think it was a good idea for

 you to get a camera. With all that’s going on in your life, it needs

 to be taken down for posterity. And since I can’t do that anymore,

 Sakura-chan can. I would love to see any pictures you take, no matter

 what they’re of. It makes me smile to see what’s going on with my

 favorite magical girl and her new life in China. I think that you

 would make a very good photographer. I’m going to start making a

 picture album to put by my old videotape collection once I have 

 enough photos. Mother used to have a camera when she was younger and

 she took many beautiful pictures with it. I know that if Sakura-chan

 keeps practicing, she'll take many beautiful pictures herself.

 	I tried watching the videotape of your wedding when I got off of

 work a few days ago. Touya took some wonderful shots of you. You

 looked so stunning in your wedding dress. I had a hard time seeing

 you through the tears at the time. I was just so happy that Sakura-

 chan was finally getting married. It was really a beautiful wedding.

 I still haven’t made it to the end. I got a little busy and haven’t

 quite reached past where I left. I’ll try to again soon. Maybe I’ll

 have more free time after I finish the designs for the doll. No,

 please don’t worry 

 about me Sakura-chan. I’m just fine. I just started feeling a pain

 in my chest near the end of it, but I don’t think it’s anything to

 worry about. I’ve been healthy and there’s nothing for you to worry

 about. It went away after I fell asleep back at home for the most

 part. Just please don’t worry. I know it’s nothing to see a doctor

 about. And that is the truth. I promise that I’ll take good care of

 myself, Sakura-chan. For you. 

 	Your bouquet is very important to me. Whenever I hold it, I see you

 right before the wedding, when I was helping you into your wedding

 dress. I see that happy smile and the bright glow in your emerald

 eyes and I know that you’ll be just fine. That you’re finally happy.

 It’s kind of strange. That’s what I’ve worked my whole life for, to

 see you happy. Now that you’re finally married off and that’s

 accomplished, I don’t know what to do anymore. Silly, isn’t it? I’ll

 need to come up with a new plan, I guess. But now I don’t have to

 worry because Li-kun is taking good care of you.

 	I’m so glad that you remembered! Hai, that was the eraser you gave

 me the first day we met. I was so lonely and nervous about

 everything. I was never any good at making friends and the classroom

 seemed so big with all of those faces I didn’t know. But then this

 really sweet girl sitting next to me offered me her eraser when I

 needed one. When I looked at her, at you, it all seemed okay. I

 didn’t feel so lonely anymore. You’ve always had that affect on me.

 So that 

 eraser has been very important to me, my very first memento of

 Sakura-chan.

 	My spirits sing to know that you’ve been thinking about me a lot 

 lately. You’re always close to my thoughts. So I’m happy to know

 that I’ve been in yours as well. But please don’t let it make you

 sad. I’ll always be your friend and you should be smiling a lot now

 in your new life. You have a lot to be happy about. It makes me happy

 to know that you are. So the next time you think of me, please smile

 knowing that your old friend wants only the best for you. I would

 love to watch you dancing. I think it would be a very beautiful thing

 to witness. It reminds me of watching you dance with the Flower Card.

 Yes, mother is a very good dancer. She doesn’t dance very often

 because she says that ‘her dance card is already filled’. She said

 she’s waiting for a specific dance with the wind. But she did teach

 me to dance a bit when I was younger. It can be fun with the right

 partner, I’m sure. So I’m sure Sakura-chan must have a lot of fun

 when she does dance. 

 	Poor Sakura-chan! I’m so sorry that you think Ieran-sama doesn’t

 like you. I’m sure that isn’t true. She may seem like she does, but

 she seems like she’s always like that. Just try to look past the

 strict exterior. She probably is still a little angry about the

 wedding, what with Li-kun being engaged to Meiling-chan, but she’ll

 have to realize what a good wife Sakura-chan is soon enough. Your

 warm heart will melt whatever resistance she has before long. It

 always does. Remember, Li-kun didn’t like you much to begin with

 either, but now he’s your husband! So you can touch anyone’s heart in

 enough time. I know you touched mine. I wish I was there, too, Sakura-

 chan. But it’s probably 

 better that I’m not. I’m certain Li-kun would get tired of me after

 I kept videotaping your married life. But you can always talk to me

 about anything, even if I am an ocean away. I’m always here for you

 when you need me. 

 	That’s very sweet that Naoko-chan’s doing so well. I should really

 go see how she and Nakuru-san are doing sometime. They sure do make

 an interesting couple, don’t they? That sounds just like the type of

 place Naoko-chan would want to live. I wonder how she convinced

 Nakuru-san it was a good idea. It’s great to hear that the two of

 them are so happy. Love has a way of surpassing so much. It really is

 a strong thing. It seems everyone’s finding their special someone

 these days. I bet Kero-chan’s next. 

 	Please don’t mind the parts of this letter that used to be wet. I

 spilled some droplets of water on it on accident and tried my best to

 dry it. Thank you for being so concerned about my love life, Sakura-

 chan. You’ve always been such a wonderful friend. Mother found me

 reading this part of your letter and after we talked for a while, she

 said that there was one person I reminded her of. She said that your

 mother acted the same way sometimes. That’s strange, isn’t it? But I

 guess it’s the way mother raised me. Nadeshiko-san was very important

 to her. I’m glad you think I should tell my special someone, but I 

 don’t think I can anymore. I thought I had all the time in the

 world, but as time went on I started thinking it would be better for

 them if I didn’t say anything. So I changed my mind about telling

 them a long time ago and have kept it to myself. Sakura-chan, what if

 the person I love already had someone? If they’re happy now, I

 wouldn’t want to ruin that. I’m happy as long as they are. Yes, I

 think maybe they don’t love me. But I’ve accepted that. So as long as

 they can be happy, that’s enough for me. I don’t think they’d be any

 happier knowing about my feelings. They’re much better kept deep

 inside, where I can hold them close to my heart. They can’t do any

 harm that way and I can still love them from afar. If you were the

 man I loved, Sakura-chan, I would love to lie in your arms and fall

 asleep knowing that you would be with 

 me in the morning. And I would love to tell you how much I love you.

 But I couldn’t. Because your love belongs to another. So I hope that

 makes this easier to understand, even if it is a rather strange

 analogy. I would love to tell my special someone how much I love

 them, to finally be able to let that love escape the bonds I’ve

 created for it, but I can’t. So I’ll just be happy for them. And

 that’s enough for me. It brings a smile to my lips when I know that

 they’re smiling because it means they’re truly happy. That’s much

 more important 

 than having them know my feelings. I would love to have you come

 back to Japan and take pictures of my wedding, but I don’t need one.

 I’ll be fine without. Thank you, Sakura-chan.

 	Please take care of yourself! I hope everything goes well for you.

 Please take many, many more pictures! I need more for my scrapbook.

 Tell everyone that I said hello. And please do get some rest. You

 really need it. I miss you, too, Sakura-chan. I hope I can hear from

 you soon. Try to have some fun soon with the Sakura Cards!

 

 

 To the best prince in the fourth grade,

 From Daidouji Tomoyo

 	

 

 

 

 

 Dear Tomoyo-chan,

 

 It was so wonderful to hear your voice again! Talking on the phone

 was a good idea, and looking forward to our regular Sunday calls is a

 real treat. There is so much to talk about each week, and even when

 there isn't I just love to hear you. It's funny, because I had never

 realized how beautiful your voice is. Not your singing, because I

 already knew that was wonderful, but just your voice. When I talk to

 you, I feel so at ease, so happy and content. For all those years, I

 didn't really know how important it was for me just to listen to you.

 But being apart made me realize how lucky I was when we were

 together. So now I treasure every second with you. 

 

 Still, there are some things I don't feel comfortable talking about

 on the phone. Some things are better written, I think, so I decided

 to start writing letters again. I hope you don't mind, because I know

 Tomoyo-chan is very busy with her work. If you don't have time to

 reply, please don't worry about it. Just writting to you is pleasure

 enough. Oh, and I insist on paying for half the calls. You work very

 hard, too, and I would not feel right if you paid for them all. I

 think from now on, I should pay when I call, and you should pay when

 you call, and we can take turns calling. Does that sound all right?

 At least we won't do like last week, where we were each calling and

 calling at the same time, and kept getting busy signals!

 

 I am drinking English Breakfast tea just now. I bought it while

 shopping in the city last Saturday. Did you know that Hong Kong was

 once a colony of Great Britain? There are many funny little English

 things here. I am sure Eriol-kun would feel right at home. Ieran-sama

 says that tea is an art. This surprised me. I know back home there is

 the tea ceremony, which is an art, but I never thought that just tea

 was an art by itself. It's funny, though, because I remember when we

 were looking for the Jump card at the Twin Bells Shoppe. Do you

 remember? The Lady told me afterwards that you were talking about tea

 before she feinted. She said you were the most knowledgeable girl

 about tea that she had ever met. So I guess you knew all along.

 Anyway, I asked Ieran-sama if she could show me some of the things

 she knows about tea. She looked quite surprised, and then told me she

 might as well, since the family would have to drink what I brewed,

 and it might as well be done right. I have learned many things from

 her, and am very grateful. You would be surprised at how much better

 my tea is now! Even if Ieran-sama does not like me, she does seem to

 like my tea, which is a start. 

 

 She now asks me to prepare tea for her, which she never did before.

 The first time I made it, I was very nervous. She drank the tea with

 a frown, and looked at me with a very scary look. She said if I did

 not do better, then I would have something to be nervous about. So

 the next time, I pretended Tomoyo-chan was with me, and that we both

 brewed tea together. That was such a help, because whenever things

 were hard and you were with me, I always felt confident that

 everything would be all right. So thank you for helping, Tomoyo-chan! 

 

 And speaking of help in the kitchen, please keep sending me your

 wonderful videos. I know your video camera must be very happy to be

 with you again. It must have been sad and lonely up in the attic. I

 have made almost all the recipes you have sent me, as you can see

 from some of the pictures of the family dinners I have prepared

 (Look, even Ieran-sama is smiling in one of them!). But sometimes I

 just like to watch Tomoyo-chan on the videos. You always filmed me,

 and almost never yourself. But you look sooooo cute in your apron,

 with your beautiful hair in braids, bustling about the kitchen,

 patiently explaining each recipe in your sweet, gentle voice,

 hanyaaaan! 

 

 I had to stop writting. It is hard to write when you are blushing.

 Anyway, thank you, and any videos you send are very appreciated in

 many ways. 

 

 Tomoyo-chan, may I tell you about a dream I have had? I have had

 this dream twice now, and  talked about it with Kero-chan. He says he

 does not understand it, but that it sounds important. In the dream I

 am back in Japan, and it is night. It is chilly and windy, and I am

 starriing off into the distance trying to see something. Finally, off

 in the distance, I can make out Tokyo Tower. That is when  I wake up.

 Kero chan says that is why it is an important dream, because of Tokyo

 Tower, which was in so many of my dreams when I was still capturing

 the Cards. I remember the one dream I had about Yue that was revealed

 to me little by little over many nights. It was a prophetic dream,

 about his judgement. So, maybe this funny dream is like that, and it

 will be more clear later.

 

 Did you know that Yue is a Chinese word? It means "moon". I have

 been doing pretty well with my Chinese lessons. Syaoran-chan's

 sisters help me a lot, though they giggle at my accent. I offered to

 teach them Japanese, but only Fanren-san was interested. She says she

 would like to go to Japan someday, so we have a little lesson every

 week. In fact, my Chinese has gotten good enough so that I now have a

 job! This is how I can afford to pay for the phone calls, by the way.

 I will start next week as a Physical Education teacher at the Fung

 Kai Liu Yun Sum Memorial Primary School. Fortunately, I do not need

 to know much Chinese for the position, though I had to learn 12 new

 characters for the school name. The Principal of the school saw me

 when I was practicing my gymnastics in the courtyard. She called me

 over and we talked. It turns out she knows Japanese, but rarely has a

 chance to practice with the language. So, I will be giving lessons to

 her, too. Syaoran-chan was not very happy with the idea, but I

 promised I would still be able to do my housework as well as

 teaching. I'll bet you never thought your friend would be a sensei! I

 know I never did. I am very nervous, but will try my best.

 

 I never quite know where to put bad news in a letter, so I guess it

 will go here. Syaoran-chan and I had our first fight last Tuesday. It

 was my fault, because he was tired and said things he did not mean. I

 got very angry, and I guess I yelled at him. He even slept in the

 living room, he was so mad. I couldn't sleep at all. But in the

 morning I apologized, and so did he, so things are OK now. I guess

 sometimes these things happen with loving couples, although when I

 told Oniichan about this, he said he never remembered Mother and

 Father fighting like that. I was sort of mad too because I don't see

 him all that often. That is very selfish, because he has to work

 hard, and I know he would rather be with me if he could. But

 sometimes I feel lonely, even when he is around. It's odd, because I

 never felt like that before. Lonely, I mean. But then, I was always

 around so many friends and family, and especially you, Tomoyo-chan. I

 really miss you so very much. It feels like something isn't quite

 right, somehow. I am so happy in my new life, though, and I shouldn't

 feel like that. Maybe I am just a little homesick at times.

 

 That is the end of the bad news. Oh, I did have another dream. It

 was very weird, and I almost don't want to tell you about it. You

 were in the dream, and so was I, sort of. You were Tomoyo-chan, of

 course, but I was the boy that you love, and never told. But in this

 dream, you did tell me, when we were very young. We had grown up

 together, and were on a date at Tokyo Tower. Tomoyo-chan, you were -

 so- beautiful! You wore a flowing, white and lavendar chiffon dress,

 and your hair was bedecked in purple ribbons. You had a snow-white

 gardenia corsage that filled my dream with the sweetest scent. I was

 so very nervous in the dream, because, well, because I was going to

 ask you to marry me. Because you were so kind and gentle I was able

 to stammer out the words and offer you a golden ring. Your amythyst

 eyes filled with tears, and I was very afraid of your answer. But

 then you said yes, and my heart sang.  We embraced and hugged, and

 danced together under the pale moonlight. You were so happy, and I

 have never been happier to see you like that.

 

 I am sorry if you cannot let him know of your love. It makes me very

 sad to think about this. I was so unhappy when Li-kun left for Hong

 Kong. If it hadn't been for you, and Yukito-san, and Rika-chan, and

 Oniichan, and everybody, I might never have seen him on the bus, and

 told him I loved him. It was hard to wait, but I knew he loved me,

 and that he knew I loved him. And someday, I knew we would finally be

 together. Tomoyo-chan, it makes me cry to think of you, that you

 can't even tell your special person of your love. It must be so awful

 to have no hope, and you are so brave about it. I wish I had known

 back then, and maybe I could have helped you the way you helped me.

 You helped me so many times, and I didn't even know you needed help.

 I was so stupid about so much. Gomennasai. I don't think I was a very

 good friend for you. I feel so ashamed. Gomennasai, Tomoyo-chan. If I

 could, I would sacrafice all of my happiness for yours.

 

 Aiyaa, I've gotten tears all over the place and the letters are all

 smeary. I know you are happy to have your beloved happy, but it's not

 fair that everybody gets their special someone except Tomoyo-chan.

 Tomoyo-chan, I promise that you will be all right, that everything

 will be all right. I don't know how, but I swear with all my heart

 that you will be with your special person. 

 

 After your last letter, I talked about you with some of the Cards.

 Somehow, I ended up  talking with Flower about the place you and your

 mother went to dance. Aiyaa! Tomoyo-chan, before I knew it, -we- were

 dancing. At first it was a little weird, because we are both girls

 and all. But it was so nice, and I felt so wonderful afterwards. She

 gave me a beautiful purple and white orchid. For some reason, it

 reminded me of you. When I said that, she just smiled, and then we

 danced some more. I guess she is always ready for fun things. When

 Syaoran chan came home, he was puzzled by the scent, and kept looking

 around for the flowers. I was too embarrassed to tell him what

 happened. 

 

 I'm sorry, my thoughts are wandering here. This always happens when

 I'm thinking about Flower. In your wonderful letter you said I am

 like a meandering ocean breeze, so I don't feel quite so foolish.

 Arigato, Tomoyo chan. Anyway, I will do everything I can to help you

 with your special person. I don't know how, but I promise that Tomoyo-

 chan will be all right.

 

  I promise.

 

 

 

 Your friend forever,

 

 Kinomoto Sakura

 

 PS- I have enclosed some more pictures for your album. It must be a

 very beautiful album if you are designing it. There is one of me in

 my P.E. coach's uniform. Fanren-san took the picture. 

 

 PPS- If it is not too much trouble, could you please send me another

 casette tape of your singing? I think I have almsot worn this one out

 from playing it so much.

 

 PPSS- I keep forgetting to tell you that Kero-chan sends his love,

 and Syaron-chan says hello.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 Dear Sakura-chan,

 	I was thrilled to hear you again on the phone. I’ve been watching

 my videos a lot recently, so I’ve still been hearing you, but it was

 nice to actually know that you were there and could answer me. I’m

 always happy to talk to you and it was as close as I’ve been able to

 come in the past few months to actually being there by Sakura-chan’s

 side. You’ve always been a very emotional woman, but it’s even more

 evident hearing your voice than just the words. But even in your

 letters, I can hear your sweet voice. Sakura-chan, I’m very happy 

 that you like hearing my voice. Sometimes we take the most important

 things for granted until it’s too late and we no longer have them.

 I’m glad that I took all of the footage of you I did so that I can

 still watch you. So even if you’re far away from me, I can still lose

 myself in memories of the past. You always were such a cute girl. And

 you’ve grown into a very lovely woman. I’m lucky to have been able to

 stay by your side for as long as I could. I always knew it would end 

 one day. So I wanted to capture everything on videotape, a beautiful

 record of you that I could always keep close to my heart. So I’m

 happy as long as I can curl up and watch your cute adventures all

 over again, Sakura-chan. You were always so amazing! No matter what

 you were doing, you always captivated me. 

 	I understand if there are certain things that you would rather not

 talk about on the phone. In a way, letters can be more private. You

 don’t have to worry about anyone coming in or saying something

 confusing when you can’t look them in the eye and explain what you

 mean. More letters from you are always a good thing. Work can be

 busy, but I like taking your letters with me and reading them when I

 have some spare moments. Now that you’re sending new ones again, I’ll

 be happy to get back to them all as soon as I can. We can split the

 cost of the calls if you want, Sakura-chan. It just makes my heart

 swell 

 to hear you on the other line, so I would be more than willing to

 pay anything for that gift. I will call you this Sunday, then. And

 every other Sunday I will wait patiently by my phone for you. That

 should keep us from getting too many busy signals. I was so worried

 that someone else was using the phone or that something had gone

 wrong with the phone lines when I couldn’t get through. It’s easier

 to panic now because I won’t be seeing you the next day to see what

 happened. But I should have known that it wasn’t anything too

 problematic for you. After all, there’s nothing Sakura-chan can’t

 handle!

 	 One of these days, when I come out and visit you (hopefully 

 to help when you're pregnant or with a little one) I would love to

 try some of your tea. I’m sure it must be very good by now,

 especially after Ieran-sama’s help. And please don’t let her scare

 you. It sounds like you’re slowly starting to warm her up to you. She

 holds much back so as to remain a figure of authority, but she must

 be coming to a slow realization that Sakura-chan really is the

 perfect wife for her son. From the sounds of things, she’s already

 helped you on the way to making your own tea an art form. Then again,

 everything you did always seemed like art to me. Now that you mention

 it, I really wish I had  gotten more footage of you capturing the

 Jump Card (you were so brave when you faced it’s giant, cute doll

 form!), but I’m glad that I could help by distracting Maki-san. I

 told her everything I knew about tea and then everything I knew about

 videotape. She was a very good listener. I was always happy to help

 you. Though I think it surprised you when I took the guard schedule

 from the museum when we were looking for the Silent Card. Oh, you

 made such a cute thief! I loved capturing 

 all of your adventures on videotape, but I was glad when I could

 help you, too. But you and Li-kun always made such a good team. He

 was a great sidekick to Cardcaptor Sakura. So it fits that you would

 go on your happy marriage journey together. But I’m glad that you

 still think of me being there with you when you’re nervous. Whenever

 you think about that, just know that I am with you because you’re

 always in my thoughts. So whatever Sakura-chan’s doing, I’m right

 beside her, knowing that she’ll do an excellent job.

 	Oh, you must have looked so kawaii when you were blushing! 

 Everytime I reread that part of the letter, I could see you blushing

 in my mind. You always looked so adorable when I dressed you up in

 one of my costumes and you’d blush. Or when you’d blush after I’d say

 something about you. Please remember that I was always telling the

 truth! I was still happy to bring a blush to your cheeks, though. I

 think it helps show that sweet innocence of yours even more. I’ll

 have to go find a videotape of you blushing when I’m done now. But

 that shouldn’t be too difficult because the costumes did a good job

 of bringing that out. I always filmed you because you were the most

 beautiful thing I could possibly film. There was no reason for me to

 film anything else. But I think my camcorder is still happy to be

 back at work because she knows the videos will go to you. My

 camcorder and I are both excited that Sakura-chan likes the videos.

 I’ll make sure I send more soon. I’ll need to try some more desserts.

 Your new family should like that. And I’ll have to try new outfits

 and hair styles now that I know Sakura-chan is watching the tapes to

 see me. I’m so glad 

 that you think I look cute in them. That’s the sweetest compliment I

 could possibly have hoped for. Thank you so much, Sakura-chan.

 	I’ve been thinking about your prophetic dream since I first read

 about it. I’m sorry to say that I can’t think of what it could mean.

 But I do think that you should listen carefully to it. I think you’re

 right, that with time it will grow clearer. Sakura-chan’s dreams are

 very trustworthy. Keep your heart open, but try not to worry too

 much. I’m sure that you’ll figure it out when it’s time. Maybe you

 and Li-kun have to come back to Japan soon to finish something up

 with the Sakura Cards. Then I could videotape Sakura-chan’s older

 Cardmistress adventures! But this makes me think of something else

 that’s a little strange. The Dream Card gave premonitory dreams,

 didn’t it? The dream if gave me before you caught it was filming lots

 and lots of Sakura-chan’s. I guess it just meant that I would

 continue to videotape you for a long time to come. Which was very

 accurate because now I have many videotapes of you in my personal

 collection. Hmm... Your dream sounds pretty vague now, but I’m sure

 that given time it will make 

 full sense to you. You always did make a good prophet. Maybe you

 could try to do a Tarot reading with the Sakura Cards to figure out

 more of what it meant.

  	Sakura-chan looks so pretty in her P.E. teacher’s uniform! 

 The album is coming along gorgeously. I’ve been putting all of the 

 pictures you’ve been sending to me in it, from the ones of the 

 dinners you make to the ones of you and Li-kun and the family. I’m 

 having a lot of fun arranging it. Your students must be very lucky

 to have you as their teacher. I know I would have been entranced to

 have a teacher like you. It would definitely make me want to try my

 hardest. Sakura-chan’s students must be very eager for her. I never

 really thought that you would be a sensei, but now that you are, it

 sounds perfect for you. Especially of Physical Education. Sakura-chan

 was always so athletic. So now it just sounds right that you would

 be. I’m glad that your Chinese is coming along so well. It should

 help with your students and with Li-kun’s family. You’ll have to

 speak to me in it the next time we talk on the phone. And it’s great

 that you are 

 giving Fanren-san and the Principal Japanese lessons. So Sakura-

 chan’s being a very busy sensei indeed! I’m sure that Li-kun will 

 find it nice to have you out working so hard with your students. 

 	I’m so sorry for you about the fight. That must have been 

 horrible for you. I know how easily you can get hurt by things like 

 that. I really wish I had been there afterwards to help you. But it 

 sounds like it all worked out rather well. Please don’t worry about 

 the fight. It depends on who the people are, Sakura-chan. Your 

 father is a very calm man and from what my mother told me about 

 your mother, Nadeshiko-san was always a caring, gentle person, no 

 matter what was going on. So they really wouldn’t get into any 

 fights. You are a very emotional girl. Emotions don’t have to be 

 logical. Love rarely ever is. So all that matters is how you felt.

 And 

 Li-kun can be stubborn. So with him working so much and you 

 being lonely and homesick, it makes sense that there would be some 

 conflict. I’m sure you were both devastated by the argument and 

 that you were eager to make up. Sometimes love can be painful, but 

 it can also be heavenly. Don’t let the little slips disturb your

 little 

 slice of heaven. I know it must be difficult with you, out on your 

 own in a different country with a completely different family and 

 none of your old family or friends around. No one can fault you for 

 being homesick, Sakura-chan. If I could pack everyone up and 

 move them out there to keep you happy, I would. Then Sakura-

 chan wouldn’t have to be lonely anymore. But I’m sure as you 

 make new friends and as you get closer to Li-kun’s family, you’ll 

 start feeling better. As long as you try your best, everything will 

 work out. It feels lonely back here without your lovely presence, 

 but I know that my wonderful best friend is living her exciting new 

 life on the other side of the ocean, so there’s nothing for me to be 

 lonely about.

 	Kawaii!!! I’m so happy that you told me about that dream, Sakura-

 chan. I can only imagine you with a deep blush, wearing cute boy’s

 clothes and holding a ring. You must have been so embarrassed in the

 dream to be asking something like that. But if Sakura-chan went

 through all that trouble, I would find it very difficult to turn

 ‘him’ down. That does sound like a strange dream, but it sounds

 beautiful, too. To think that anyone would care that much about me,

 that things really could have turned out so well. It must have been a

 very odd dream for you to have. It must be from you worrying about my

 love life so much lately. It would make me so happy to have my True

 Love propose to me 

 like that. It sounded so romantic, too. Part of me wishes that

 things could have worked out that happily with the one I love. But

 instead, I’ll just think of your dream fondly as a what might have

 been. If Sakura-chan was the boy I loved but never told, I would be a

 very lucky girl. Please don’t cry for me, Sakura-chan. It makes me

 sad to 

 think of you in tears, especially over me. Love can hurt and love 

 can be a very lonely feeling, but I would never give up the love in 

 my heart even if it meant that I wouldn’t have to worry about any 

 of that. My love for them will never change, even if they don’t

 know. So I’ll love them from afar, glad to see them during the

 happiest years of their life. I’m happy, Sakura-chan. Please don’t

 worry about me.

 Your happiness means so much to me. I wouldn’t want you to give up

 any of it for my sake. Remember, it makes me happy when you are. So

 you have to be happy for me. Don’t be ashamed. You were the best

 friend that I could ever ask for. You never knew that I needed any

 help to begin with and I was always eager to help you when I could.

 Besides, I don’t think Fate ever intended for me to have my love, so

 there was nothing you could do even had you known. But I accepted

 that a long time ago. How can you be sad when the one you love is

 happy? If you really, truly love them, then that should be enough. To

 know that 

 they’re happy in ways you could never make them. When you close your

 eyes, you can feel them close to your heart, and your love just grows

 knowing what a special person you’ve found. I’m very lucky to have

 found my special person, Sakura-chan. It doesn’t matter whether or

 not they love me. I’ll always love them regardless, so it doesn’t

 change that in the least. Thank you so much for wanting to help me.

 You really are a perfect best friend.

 	Mother has been a little confused lately, I think. She says she

 doesn’t want to see me alone and to end up like her. She’s angry with

 my special someone for leaving me alone like this but she cares for

 them as well. So I think it’s difficult for her to sort out her

 emotions. I’m trying to convince her not to be angry because I’m

 happy with how things have turned out, but mother can be a very

 stubborn woman. She was, on the other hand, very pleased with the

 doll I finished designing. I’ll send the finished designs along with

 this. 

 Soon enough, the doll itself should be in production. Cutecaptor

 Haneko will be the first toy that I was the head of the designs for.

 I’m very excited about it. If the sales go well, there may even be an

 anime tie in. I guess mother liked the backstory I came up with for

 Haneko-chan. I’ll be going to the Toy Fair in a few weeks with the

 prototype doll along with mother for the showcasing of many other

 Daidouji toys. 

 	It seems that Flower has the same preferences as mother. I really

 can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t want to dance with Sakura-chan.

 That must have been a lot of fun. You really did need something to

 relax you after worrying about everything. I can understand why 

 you wouldn’t want to tell Li-kun. That might seem a little strange

 to him. But I’m glad that you’re still talking to the Sakura Cards.

 They all loved you so much. 

 	Magic or not, I know that your beautiful spirit will always shine 

 through. You made a wonderful magical girl, but that was never what

 was 

 important to me. It was you. It was seeing the genki, bright girl

 that you always were and getting to be close to you. That was always

 more important to me than any magic. You spin your own magic, Sakura-

 chan. Thank you again, my sweet friend. But you really don’t have to

 worry about me. I’ll be fine. I’m sure that everything will always be

 all right. It’s your power phrase, after all. So I have to believe

 it. Because I believe in you. And I always knew that you’d rescue me.

 I will be all right. I am all right. You don’t have to worry. I would

 never want to worry you, Sakura-chan. 

 	Give Kero-chan another hug for me and please distribute my love 

 among everyone and the Cards, but be sure to keep a huge chunk for

 yourself. I sent along the cassette you asked for. I tried to put in

 some variety to the music so that there should be plenty to listen to

 on it. I kept from anything sad this time. I always love singing for

 you, Sakura-chan. So I'm very happy to have you as my delayed

 audience. 

 

 

 Your friend in Tomoeda,

 Daidouji Tomoyo

 

 

 

 Dear Tomoyo-chan,

 

 Things are so hectic here that it is just a pleasure to sit down and

 write a letter to my very best friend across the sea. I usually wake

 up around 5:00 AM and do some housework before catching the 6:20 bus

 for Fung Kai Liu Yun Sum Memorial Primary School. But I woke up

 especially early today so I could write to you. I am so glad we are

 still in touch with each other, Tomoyo-chan. The thought occurred to

 me that because we are not together all the time as we used to be, we

 might drift apart somehow. When I thought this, I became very

 worried, and gathered together all of my letters from you, and your

 videos, and the cassettes of your singing. But if this was all I had

 of you, if this was all that was left, I don't know what I would do.

 I feel bad asking this, because in a way I left you to come to Hong

 Kong. So, I have no right to say this. But Tomoyo-chan, please don't

 ever leave me. If I did not have you to talk with, to listen to, and

 if I did not think you remembered me, I just don't know how I could

 get through even one day. 

 

 Gomenesai. This is supposed to be a happy letter. There have been

 many happy things going on since last I wrote. I have made friends

 with a teacher at work, and I told her about you, and how much you

 meant to me. She is older than I am, and very smart. Hoeee, she

 teaches mathematics, and knows so many things! She told me she once

 had a friend like you, when she was growing up. She said she had

 fallen in love with that friend, and thought they would always be

 together. But after high school, her friend moved away to England.

 For a while they wrote letters, and talked on the phone. But

 eventually, she says they drifted apart, and even stopped writing.

 She was crying. She apologized for being so foolish, and said it felt

 odd to still care so much. Tomoyo-chan, I don't want us to ever drift

 apart like that. I was so afraid after I talked to her. I thought,

 what if there was no Tomoyo-chan in my life? I am so happy here with

 my new family in Hong Kong, but if I lost you, I don't think I could

 live anymore. 

 

 Gomenesai. All right, let me tell you about all the happy things

 that have been happening. My job is a lot of work, but it is

 wonderful! I am the girl's P.E. teacher, and teach 5 classes a day,

 one for each grade. Thank you so much for sending the books on P.E.

 instruction that I asked for on the phone. They have been a big help.

 I never knew there was so much to teaching! So far, I have shown the

 students fundamentals of exercise. Next week, we will begin a unit on

 gymnastics. "Lessons must be adjusted to the grade level, individual

 level of development, and personal level of motivation and perceived

 capability". Hoeee, sometimes reading the books makes my head dizzy,

 but I am trying my best. At least I am not teaching mathematics! And

 I know you said you will pay for the books and the shipping costs,

 but I did want to do something in return. So, I sent you a book

 entitled, "The Flora of Hong Kong and Surrounding Areas". It is in

 English, so I do not know much of what is says. But I thought the

 pictures were beautiful, and hope that you like it. I got the idea

 from Flower, by the way. She sends her love. She remembers you

 fondly, and was wondering if you like to dance, or just to film

 dancing? 

 

 I went shopping in the City after school let out early last Monday.

 I bought a tea set, with a little purple teapot and 2 lavender cups.

 For some reason, they reminded me very much of you, although the set

 is from Great Britain, and of course you are from Japan. Anyway, I

 decided to save it for when you came to visit. It will be my special

 Tomoyo chan tea set. Maybe after you have finished work on the Haneko

 chan doll, you might be able to come and visit? Tomoyo-chan, I would

 dearly love to see you again. And we could go shopping together.

 There are many wonderful stores here, and now that I am making my own

 money to spend, I appreciate the prices!

 

 I was blushing when I read about me blushing in your letter. Thank

 you, Tomoyo-chan. You always made me feel so special with your

 unusual costumes, and kind words, and all the little things you have

 always done for me. Talking about capturing Jump and Silence brought

 back many memories, especially of you. And thank you so very much for

 the wonderful videotapes. Kero-chan was very excited at the prospect

 of dessert videos. I play them a lot lately, and not just for help in

 cooking, though that is very much appreciated. You are so beautiful

 that sometimes my heart aches to see you in them. I have a picture of

 Mother on the dresser in my room. I'd never really realized how much

 the two of you look alike. And from everything Oniichan and Father

 have told me, you sound so much like her: sweet, gentle, patient, and

 loving. I think Sonomi-sama is very perceptive and wise when she says

 you remind her of Mother. If it would not be too much trouble, could

 you send me a picture of you? I would like to put in on the dresser,

 so I can see you both before I sleep.

 

 I had that dream again, the one where I can see Tokyo Tower. Last

 night, there was more of the dream. I could see a figure on the

 Tower, but was not able to make out who it was. Kero-chan will not

 say anything about it, because he says only I can understand the

 dream's true meaning. He says it may take time for the dream to

 ripen, so I must be patient. Thank you for the suggestion about the

 Dream Card. I talked with her about it, but she only smiled, and said

 it sounded like a very interesting dream. If I did come back to Japan

 because of this, then I could see you again. That would be so

 wonderful! And I did do a reading with my cards, but not about the

 dream. About something more important. It was very exhausting, and I

 will tell you about it later in the letter.

 

 As for the other dream I had, the one with you in it, umm, Tomoyo-

 chan, how did you know it was me dressed in boy’s clothes? After you

 wrote that, I remembered that in my dream the boy looked like me, and

 really was me. I guess that is because I didn’t know who he really

 is.  But how did you know that? Anyway, I was very nervous and

 embarrassed in the dream, but it was still a beautiful moment.

 Syaoran-chan told me that proposing marriage was the hardest thing he

 had ever done, much worse than any of his battles, or even training

 with Ieran-sama. I don’t know how boys do it. I guess it is sort of a

 test, to offer up your heart to the one you love. You may be

 rejected, and that would be terribly painful, but you must offer

 yourself as a sacrifice to your beloved. I remember the dream most

 vividly. I guess you are right, that I had the dream because I was

 worrying so much about you.  And thank you for the kind words about

 me as your friend. I know you would never blame me for anything, even

 if I was at fault. But I can’t help but feel that somehow I have

 failed you, my very best friend. I think your love is such a precious

 thing, and am glad it is close to your heart. But I do wish your true

 love was with you. I know he would be, if he knew, and he could. 

 

 Thank you for the kind words on my first fight. You are so wise

 about people, and it helped to read your observations about Syaoran-

 chan and me. It really was so awful. It felt as if our love was no

 longer there, just anger and regret. I am so happy that we made up

 the next morning. I never, ever want to fight like that again.

 Syaoran-chan is my one, true love, and I should be thankful for him

 no matter what happens. But we almost had another fight just two

 nights. Syaoran-chan was very late from work, but I missed him so

 much that I stayed up until 1 AM, even though I must be up so early

 to go to work. He was surprised to see me, and did not seem very

 happy.  I asked him how work was, and he mumbled something I could

 not understand. I told him I had tried to call, but there was no

 answer in his office. He got angry, and accused me of prying. Tomoyo-

 chan, I did not mean it like that at all. I just wanted him to know

 that I cared about him, and wanted to talk with him. He said he had

 gone out with some people in his office for beers. He said that was a

 part of his job. I was very hurt, because I felt he cared more for

 going out with other people than seeing me. But I did not say

 anything because I did not want another fight. Syaoran-chan went to

 bed, but I was too upset to sleep, so I called Oniichan. He was

 sleeping, but I told him all that had happened, and I guess I cried a

 lot. He told me that salarymen have to do this a lot, and not to

 worry about it. That made me feel better. 

 

 So, the next morning, when I served Syaoran-chan his breakfast, I

 gave him a note asking if we could talk about something when he got

 home that night. I think he was afraid I was still upset about the

 night before, but I really wasn’t. Well, not a lot, anyway. So, he

 was home very early that night, and we talked about our day, which

 was nice. I told him that I was sorry about being angry the night

 before, and that Oniichan had told me this was a part of his job, and

 I shouldn’t feel hurt. He seemed surprised that Oniichan had said

 this, but was happy that everything had been resolved. Then I told

 him about the dream with Tokyo Tower. He seemed concerned, and I know

 he will do all he can to help. I feel he will somehow protect me, as

 he always has. I am so glad that everything turned out well.I really

 am lucky to have found my true love. 

 

 I did a card reading Sunday, after our phone call. I was surprised

 at how difficult it was, and how very tired it made me. Tomoyo chan,

 please do not be angry with me, but I wanted to know who your special

 person is. I knew you would not tell me if I asked, so I asked the

 cards instead. I asked them just to give me a hint, since it did not

 seem right to ask without your permission. Well, the important cards

 that came up were Loop and Illusion. Illusion showed me an image of

 myself, and when I added that to Loop, it seemed to me that your

 special someone is very close to me. In fact, I am certain that this

 is true. So, I have been thinking about all you have said about your

 special someone. I think I know who it is.

 

 This person is very close to me. This person is someone who does not

 know that you love them. It must be a very wonderful person for you

 to have given your heart to them, for the person that Tomoyo-chan

 loves must be very special, indeed. You have known this person a long

 time.  You were going to tell them of your love, but hesitated when

 they found someone else. Now you are happy for them, and do not wish

 to intrude on their happiness. 

 

 Tomoyo-chan, do you love Oniichan?

 

 It makes sense to me now that you were blushing the first time you

 saw him. And I think that Oniichan also likes you. Remember when I

 told you Oniichan was talking about you when Syaoran-chan and I

 announced our engagement? Tomoyo-chan, he was saying the most

 wonderful things about you. He said you were bright, and sweet, and

 caring, and pretty, and would be a wonderful companion for life. I

 guess I am sort of dense about these things, and I did not understand

 what he was saying. I did not know that he liked you, -like that-.

 But you are right, he is very happy with Yukito-san, and I don’t know

 what to say or do. Perhaps he likes you, and also Yukito-san? Maybe

 you are right that it is best if you keep your love silent. But I am

 still sad that I will never get to see you at your wedding.  I wish

 there was something I could do. If you would like, I can talk to

 Oniichan. Somehow it is too sad that Tomoyo-chan’s precious love must

 be kept in the beautiful cage of her heart.

 

 Tomoyo-chan, I don’t quite know how, but somehow you will be all

 right.

 

 I must run to my bus soon, but I wanted to thank you for the

 beautiful songs. I listen to them very often. I think with my next

 paycheck I will but a cassette tape player, so I can hear you on the

 way to work. When I listen to your voice, I feel that my best friend

 will always be with me. Thank you so much Tomoyo chan.

 

 Love, 

 

 

 Kinomoto Sakura

 

 PS- Aiyaaa, I am always forgetting to put this in the letter. Kero-

 chan sends his love. Oh, and he made me promise to ask for the cake

 recipe with the strawberries. I am sorry. Syoaran-chan sends his

 regards. 

 

 PPS- Please give Sonomi-sama my love. I know she wants only the best

 for her precious daughter. And I think she is right. I don’t see how

 anybody who leaves you could be happy.