view old/stories/dearsakura-02.txt @ 4:69f0191c9016 moonlitnights tip

added error.log and access.log
author Robert McIntyre <rlm@mit.edu>
date Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:42:35 -0400
parents fc00894c1d4a
children
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1 Dear Sakura
2 by Amazoness Duo and G.P.
3 amazonessduo@hotmail.com
4 pearsong1954@yahoo.com
6 Dear Sakura-chan,
7 You don’t have to be in any rush to get back to me. I’m always
8 happy to receive any letters from you, but don’t worry about how long
9 it takes. I understand how busy Sakura-chan’s life must be with
10 starting all over in China and with a new husband and family. So
11 please don’t worry yourself, Sakura-chan. And if you ever need to
12 call me, please don’t hesitate. I would always love to hear your
13 voice again and if you need someone to talk to about anything, you
14 know you can always trust me. I can pay the bill for any calls you
15 make as well. It would be worth it just to hear you. I don’t think
16 anything you ever talk
17 about is silly. Sakura-chan’s mind moves around a lot like a
18 meandering ocean breeze, moving through all sorts of wonderful
19 thoughts. I’ve always found whatever you want to talk about
20 fascinating because I love just being able to talk with you, to be
21 able to hear your thoughts and feelings on things. Some of my fondest
22 memories are of when we were together, talking about the most trivial
23 of things, without a care in the world. You looked so free. I wished
24 I could be that free. That you could teach me to soar. But it was
25 enough to watch you. I hope that freedom of a gentle breeze never
26 leaves you, Sakura-chan.
27 I’m very happy that Sakura-chan liked all of the things I’ve sent.
28 I was hoping you would. I have an idea or two for the doll’s hair
29 that I’m working into the design so that hopefully little girls will
30 be able to play with her hair the way they want to more. I always
31 enjoyed trying out new hairstyles myself, so I want to keep that with
32 the doll. She still needs a name, but we don’t need to worry about
33 that yet. I’m thinking something like Hanako. ‘Flower Child’. That
34 would be pretty. She does look a lot like you, but you were always
35 the girl I sketched when I was making my designs. You were just so
36 pretty. So I think
37 she looks cute, sharing some of your features. Maybe she can even be
38 a magical girl. I’ll send you one of the first dolls we produce for
39 all of the inspiration you have always given me. And it meant so much
40 to me to hear that you liked the cassette I sent you. I haven’t sung
41 to anyone but myself in so long that I wasn’t sure how it would come
42 out. I’m so very sorry that it made you cry, but I’m glad that it
43 managed to touch you. Maybe I shouldn’t have added that last song
44 after all. It was pretty sad. I know what you mean about thinking
45 things would
46 always stay the way they were, Sakura-chan. I always knew that you
47 would leave me someday, but I hadn’t expected it so soon. I guess it
48 took me by surprise. I knew we’d have to part ways one day, but I
49 always wanted it to be tomorrow, never today. Sometimes it’s hard for
50 me to remember that you aren’t the same little girl that I first met.
51 You’re still the same vibrant, loving soul, but you’ve grown up. And
52 I’m so proud of you. You’re starting your own family now, starting a
53 new life in China with the one you love. I hope all of your dreams
54 come true. But sometimes I can’t help but look out at the stars at
55 night and think that the heavens are crying, missing Sakura-chan as
56 much as I
57 do.
58 That’s great that the recipes worked out so well for Sakura-chan!
59 You can do such wonderful things when you put your mind to it. I knew
60 it would turn out perfectly for you. It really did look delicious. It
61 got me thinking about if you had anymore trouble cooking because I
62 know you can’t just use the same recipes over and over again. So I
63 went and got my camcorder out from the attic and decided to put
64 together a few more recipes for Sakura-chan. What you said about me
65 by your side sent a trill through my heart. We have a very good chef
66 so I had her teach me some more recipes. I went through the entire
67 recipe on video and taped myself making the successful dishes. I’ll
68 try to send more when
69 I have more time to cook. I really hope they help. I thought it
70 would be a good job for my old camcorder. It isn’t capturing images
71 of the most beautiful object I could find for it, but I can still
72 send you these videotapes with me in them. Hopefully they’ll help
73 with your cooking. And so you won’t forget me. I’m glad that Ieran-
74 sama still thinks of me fondly. I think she understood some things I
75 was dealing with when we were in Hong Kong.
76 Thank you for sending more pictures! I think it was a good idea for
77 you to get a camera. With all that’s going on in your life, it needs
78 to be taken down for posterity. And since I can’t do that anymore,
79 Sakura-chan can. I would love to see any pictures you take, no matter
80 what they’re of. It makes me smile to see what’s going on with my
81 favorite magical girl and her new life in China. I think that you
82 would make a very good photographer. I’m going to start making a
83 picture album to put by my old videotape collection once I have
84 enough photos. Mother used to have a camera when she was younger and
85 she took many beautiful pictures with it. I know that if Sakura-chan
86 keeps practicing, she'll take many beautiful pictures herself.
87 I tried watching the videotape of your wedding when I got off of
88 work a few days ago. Touya took some wonderful shots of you. You
89 looked so stunning in your wedding dress. I had a hard time seeing
90 you through the tears at the time. I was just so happy that Sakura-
91 chan was finally getting married. It was really a beautiful wedding.
92 I still haven’t made it to the end. I got a little busy and haven’t
93 quite reached past where I left. I’ll try to again soon. Maybe I’ll
94 have more free time after I finish the designs for the doll. No,
95 please don’t worry
96 about me Sakura-chan. I’m just fine. I just started feeling a pain
97 in my chest near the end of it, but I don’t think it’s anything to
98 worry about. I’ve been healthy and there’s nothing for you to worry
99 about. It went away after I fell asleep back at home for the most
100 part. Just please don’t worry. I know it’s nothing to see a doctor
101 about. And that is the truth. I promise that I’ll take good care of
102 myself, Sakura-chan. For you.
103 Your bouquet is very important to me. Whenever I hold it, I see you
104 right before the wedding, when I was helping you into your wedding
105 dress. I see that happy smile and the bright glow in your emerald
106 eyes and I know that you’ll be just fine. That you’re finally happy.
107 It’s kind of strange. That’s what I’ve worked my whole life for, to
108 see you happy. Now that you’re finally married off and that’s
109 accomplished, I don’t know what to do anymore. Silly, isn’t it? I’ll
110 need to come up with a new plan, I guess. But now I don’t have to
111 worry because Li-kun is taking good care of you.
112 I’m so glad that you remembered! Hai, that was the eraser you gave
113 me the first day we met. I was so lonely and nervous about
114 everything. I was never any good at making friends and the classroom
115 seemed so big with all of those faces I didn’t know. But then this
116 really sweet girl sitting next to me offered me her eraser when I
117 needed one. When I looked at her, at you, it all seemed okay. I
118 didn’t feel so lonely anymore. You’ve always had that affect on me.
119 So that
120 eraser has been very important to me, my very first memento of
121 Sakura-chan.
122 My spirits sing to know that you’ve been thinking about me a lot
123 lately. You’re always close to my thoughts. So I’m happy to know
124 that I’ve been in yours as well. But please don’t let it make you
125 sad. I’ll always be your friend and you should be smiling a lot now
126 in your new life. You have a lot to be happy about. It makes me happy
127 to know that you are. So the next time you think of me, please smile
128 knowing that your old friend wants only the best for you. I would
129 love to watch you dancing. I think it would be a very beautiful thing
130 to witness. It reminds me of watching you dance with the Flower Card.
131 Yes, mother is a very good dancer. She doesn’t dance very often
132 because she says that ‘her dance card is already filled’. She said
133 she’s waiting for a specific dance with the wind. But she did teach
134 me to dance a bit when I was younger. It can be fun with the right
135 partner, I’m sure. So I’m sure Sakura-chan must have a lot of fun
136 when she does dance.
137 Poor Sakura-chan! I’m so sorry that you think Ieran-sama doesn’t
138 like you. I’m sure that isn’t true. She may seem like she does, but
139 she seems like she’s always like that. Just try to look past the
140 strict exterior. She probably is still a little angry about the
141 wedding, what with Li-kun being engaged to Meiling-chan, but she’ll
142 have to realize what a good wife Sakura-chan is soon enough. Your
143 warm heart will melt whatever resistance she has before long. It
144 always does. Remember, Li-kun didn’t like you much to begin with
145 either, but now he’s your husband! So you can touch anyone’s heart in
146 enough time. I know you touched mine. I wish I was there, too, Sakura-
147 chan. But it’s probably
148 better that I’m not. I’m certain Li-kun would get tired of me after
149 I kept videotaping your married life. But you can always talk to me
150 about anything, even if I am an ocean away. I’m always here for you
151 when you need me.
152 That’s very sweet that Naoko-chan’s doing so well. I should really
153 go see how she and Nakuru-san are doing sometime. They sure do make
154 an interesting couple, don’t they? That sounds just like the type of
155 place Naoko-chan would want to live. I wonder how she convinced
156 Nakuru-san it was a good idea. It’s great to hear that the two of
157 them are so happy. Love has a way of surpassing so much. It really is
158 a strong thing. It seems everyone’s finding their special someone
159 these days. I bet Kero-chan’s next.
160 Please don’t mind the parts of this letter that used to be wet. I
161 spilled some droplets of water on it on accident and tried my best to
162 dry it. Thank you for being so concerned about my love life, Sakura-
163 chan. You’ve always been such a wonderful friend. Mother found me
164 reading this part of your letter and after we talked for a while, she
165 said that there was one person I reminded her of. She said that your
166 mother acted the same way sometimes. That’s strange, isn’t it? But I
167 guess it’s the way mother raised me. Nadeshiko-san was very important
168 to her. I’m glad you think I should tell my special someone, but I
169 don’t think I can anymore. I thought I had all the time in the
170 world, but as time went on I started thinking it would be better for
171 them if I didn’t say anything. So I changed my mind about telling
172 them a long time ago and have kept it to myself. Sakura-chan, what if
173 the person I love already had someone? If they’re happy now, I
174 wouldn’t want to ruin that. I’m happy as long as they are. Yes, I
175 think maybe they don’t love me. But I’ve accepted that. So as long as
176 they can be happy, that’s enough for me. I don’t think they’d be any
177 happier knowing about my feelings. They’re much better kept deep
178 inside, where I can hold them close to my heart. They can’t do any
179 harm that way and I can still love them from afar. If you were the
180 man I loved, Sakura-chan, I would love to lie in your arms and fall
181 asleep knowing that you would be with
182 me in the morning. And I would love to tell you how much I love you.
183 But I couldn’t. Because your love belongs to another. So I hope that
184 makes this easier to understand, even if it is a rather strange
185 analogy. I would love to tell my special someone how much I love
186 them, to finally be able to let that love escape the bonds I’ve
187 created for it, but I can’t. So I’ll just be happy for them. And
188 that’s enough for me. It brings a smile to my lips when I know that
189 they’re smiling because it means they’re truly happy. That’s much
190 more important
191 than having them know my feelings. I would love to have you come
192 back to Japan and take pictures of my wedding, but I don’t need one.
193 I’ll be fine without. Thank you, Sakura-chan.
194 Please take care of yourself! I hope everything goes well for you.
195 Please take many, many more pictures! I need more for my scrapbook.
196 Tell everyone that I said hello. And please do get some rest. You
197 really need it. I miss you, too, Sakura-chan. I hope I can hear from
198 you soon. Try to have some fun soon with the Sakura Cards!
201 To the best prince in the fourth grade,
202 From Daidouji Tomoyo
208 Dear Tomoyo-chan,
210 It was so wonderful to hear your voice again! Talking on the phone
211 was a good idea, and looking forward to our regular Sunday calls is a
212 real treat. There is so much to talk about each week, and even when
213 there isn't I just love to hear you. It's funny, because I had never
214 realized how beautiful your voice is. Not your singing, because I
215 already knew that was wonderful, but just your voice. When I talk to
216 you, I feel so at ease, so happy and content. For all those years, I
217 didn't really know how important it was for me just to listen to you.
218 But being apart made me realize how lucky I was when we were
219 together. So now I treasure every second with you.
221 Still, there are some things I don't feel comfortable talking about
222 on the phone. Some things are better written, I think, so I decided
223 to start writing letters again. I hope you don't mind, because I know
224 Tomoyo-chan is very busy with her work. If you don't have time to
225 reply, please don't worry about it. Just writting to you is pleasure
226 enough. Oh, and I insist on paying for half the calls. You work very
227 hard, too, and I would not feel right if you paid for them all. I
228 think from now on, I should pay when I call, and you should pay when
229 you call, and we can take turns calling. Does that sound all right?
230 At least we won't do like last week, where we were each calling and
231 calling at the same time, and kept getting busy signals!
233 I am drinking English Breakfast tea just now. I bought it while
234 shopping in the city last Saturday. Did you know that Hong Kong was
235 once a colony of Great Britain? There are many funny little English
236 things here. I am sure Eriol-kun would feel right at home. Ieran-sama
237 says that tea is an art. This surprised me. I know back home there is
238 the tea ceremony, which is an art, but I never thought that just tea
239 was an art by itself. It's funny, though, because I remember when we
240 were looking for the Jump card at the Twin Bells Shoppe. Do you
241 remember? The Lady told me afterwards that you were talking about tea
242 before she feinted. She said you were the most knowledgeable girl
243 about tea that she had ever met. So I guess you knew all along.
244 Anyway, I asked Ieran-sama if she could show me some of the things
245 she knows about tea. She looked quite surprised, and then told me she
246 might as well, since the family would have to drink what I brewed,
247 and it might as well be done right. I have learned many things from
248 her, and am very grateful. You would be surprised at how much better
249 my tea is now! Even if Ieran-sama does not like me, she does seem to
250 like my tea, which is a start.
252 She now asks me to prepare tea for her, which she never did before.
253 The first time I made it, I was very nervous. She drank the tea with
254 a frown, and looked at me with a very scary look. She said if I did
255 not do better, then I would have something to be nervous about. So
256 the next time, I pretended Tomoyo-chan was with me, and that we both
257 brewed tea together. That was such a help, because whenever things
258 were hard and you were with me, I always felt confident that
259 everything would be all right. So thank you for helping, Tomoyo-chan!
261 And speaking of help in the kitchen, please keep sending me your
262 wonderful videos. I know your video camera must be very happy to be
263 with you again. It must have been sad and lonely up in the attic. I
264 have made almost all the recipes you have sent me, as you can see
265 from some of the pictures of the family dinners I have prepared
266 (Look, even Ieran-sama is smiling in one of them!). But sometimes I
267 just like to watch Tomoyo-chan on the videos. You always filmed me,
268 and almost never yourself. But you look sooooo cute in your apron,
269 with your beautiful hair in braids, bustling about the kitchen,
270 patiently explaining each recipe in your sweet, gentle voice,
271 hanyaaaan!
273 I had to stop writting. It is hard to write when you are blushing.
274 Anyway, thank you, and any videos you send are very appreciated in
275 many ways.
277 Tomoyo-chan, may I tell you about a dream I have had? I have had
278 this dream twice now, and talked about it with Kero-chan. He says he
279 does not understand it, but that it sounds important. In the dream I
280 am back in Japan, and it is night. It is chilly and windy, and I am
281 starriing off into the distance trying to see something. Finally, off
282 in the distance, I can make out Tokyo Tower. That is when I wake up.
283 Kero chan says that is why it is an important dream, because of Tokyo
284 Tower, which was in so many of my dreams when I was still capturing
285 the Cards. I remember the one dream I had about Yue that was revealed
286 to me little by little over many nights. It was a prophetic dream,
287 about his judgement. So, maybe this funny dream is like that, and it
288 will be more clear later.
290 Did you know that Yue is a Chinese word? It means "moon". I have
291 been doing pretty well with my Chinese lessons. Syaoran-chan's
292 sisters help me a lot, though they giggle at my accent. I offered to
293 teach them Japanese, but only Fanren-san was interested. She says she
294 would like to go to Japan someday, so we have a little lesson every
295 week. In fact, my Chinese has gotten good enough so that I now have a
296 job! This is how I can afford to pay for the phone calls, by the way.
297 I will start next week as a Physical Education teacher at the Fung
298 Kai Liu Yun Sum Memorial Primary School. Fortunately, I do not need
299 to know much Chinese for the position, though I had to learn 12 new
300 characters for the school name. The Principal of the school saw me
301 when I was practicing my gymnastics in the courtyard. She called me
302 over and we talked. It turns out she knows Japanese, but rarely has a
303 chance to practice with the language. So, I will be giving lessons to
304 her, too. Syaoran-chan was not very happy with the idea, but I
305 promised I would still be able to do my housework as well as
306 teaching. I'll bet you never thought your friend would be a sensei! I
307 know I never did. I am very nervous, but will try my best.
309 I never quite know where to put bad news in a letter, so I guess it
310 will go here. Syaoran-chan and I had our first fight last Tuesday. It
311 was my fault, because he was tired and said things he did not mean. I
312 got very angry, and I guess I yelled at him. He even slept in the
313 living room, he was so mad. I couldn't sleep at all. But in the
314 morning I apologized, and so did he, so things are OK now. I guess
315 sometimes these things happen with loving couples, although when I
316 told Oniichan about this, he said he never remembered Mother and
317 Father fighting like that. I was sort of mad too because I don't see
318 him all that often. That is very selfish, because he has to work
319 hard, and I know he would rather be with me if he could. But
320 sometimes I feel lonely, even when he is around. It's odd, because I
321 never felt like that before. Lonely, I mean. But then, I was always
322 around so many friends and family, and especially you, Tomoyo-chan. I
323 really miss you so very much. It feels like something isn't quite
324 right, somehow. I am so happy in my new life, though, and I shouldn't
325 feel like that. Maybe I am just a little homesick at times.
327 That is the end of the bad news. Oh, I did have another dream. It
328 was very weird, and I almost don't want to tell you about it. You
329 were in the dream, and so was I, sort of. You were Tomoyo-chan, of
330 course, but I was the boy that you love, and never told. But in this
331 dream, you did tell me, when we were very young. We had grown up
332 together, and were on a date at Tokyo Tower. Tomoyo-chan, you were -
333 so- beautiful! You wore a flowing, white and lavendar chiffon dress,
334 and your hair was bedecked in purple ribbons. You had a snow-white
335 gardenia corsage that filled my dream with the sweetest scent. I was
336 so very nervous in the dream, because, well, because I was going to
337 ask you to marry me. Because you were so kind and gentle I was able
338 to stammer out the words and offer you a golden ring. Your amythyst
339 eyes filled with tears, and I was very afraid of your answer. But
340 then you said yes, and my heart sang. We embraced and hugged, and
341 danced together under the pale moonlight. You were so happy, and I
342 have never been happier to see you like that.
344 I am sorry if you cannot let him know of your love. It makes me very
345 sad to think about this. I was so unhappy when Li-kun left for Hong
346 Kong. If it hadn't been for you, and Yukito-san, and Rika-chan, and
347 Oniichan, and everybody, I might never have seen him on the bus, and
348 told him I loved him. It was hard to wait, but I knew he loved me,
349 and that he knew I loved him. And someday, I knew we would finally be
350 together. Tomoyo-chan, it makes me cry to think of you, that you
351 can't even tell your special person of your love. It must be so awful
352 to have no hope, and you are so brave about it. I wish I had known
353 back then, and maybe I could have helped you the way you helped me.
354 You helped me so many times, and I didn't even know you needed help.
355 I was so stupid about so much. Gomennasai. I don't think I was a very
356 good friend for you. I feel so ashamed. Gomennasai, Tomoyo-chan. If I
357 could, I would sacrafice all of my happiness for yours.
359 Aiyaa, I've gotten tears all over the place and the letters are all
360 smeary. I know you are happy to have your beloved happy, but it's not
361 fair that everybody gets their special someone except Tomoyo-chan.
362 Tomoyo-chan, I promise that you will be all right, that everything
363 will be all right. I don't know how, but I swear with all my heart
364 that you will be with your special person.
366 After your last letter, I talked about you with some of the Cards.
367 Somehow, I ended up talking with Flower about the place you and your
368 mother went to dance. Aiyaa! Tomoyo-chan, before I knew it, -we- were
369 dancing. At first it was a little weird, because we are both girls
370 and all. But it was so nice, and I felt so wonderful afterwards. She
371 gave me a beautiful purple and white orchid. For some reason, it
372 reminded me of you. When I said that, she just smiled, and then we
373 danced some more. I guess she is always ready for fun things. When
374 Syaoran chan came home, he was puzzled by the scent, and kept looking
375 around for the flowers. I was too embarrassed to tell him what
376 happened.
378 I'm sorry, my thoughts are wandering here. This always happens when
379 I'm thinking about Flower. In your wonderful letter you said I am
380 like a meandering ocean breeze, so I don't feel quite so foolish.
381 Arigato, Tomoyo chan. Anyway, I will do everything I can to help you
382 with your special person. I don't know how, but I promise that Tomoyo-
383 chan will be all right.
385 I promise.
389 Your friend forever,
391 Kinomoto Sakura
393 PS- I have enclosed some more pictures for your album. It must be a
394 very beautiful album if you are designing it. There is one of me in
395 my P.E. coach's uniform. Fanren-san took the picture.
397 PPS- If it is not too much trouble, could you please send me another
398 casette tape of your singing? I think I have almsot worn this one out
399 from playing it so much.
401 PPSS- I keep forgetting to tell you that Kero-chan sends his love,
402 and Syaron-chan says hello.
409 Dear Sakura-chan,
410 I was thrilled to hear you again on the phone. I’ve been watching
411 my videos a lot recently, so I’ve still been hearing you, but it was
412 nice to actually know that you were there and could answer me. I’m
413 always happy to talk to you and it was as close as I’ve been able to
414 come in the past few months to actually being there by Sakura-chan’s
415 side. You’ve always been a very emotional woman, but it’s even more
416 evident hearing your voice than just the words. But even in your
417 letters, I can hear your sweet voice. Sakura-chan, I’m very happy
418 that you like hearing my voice. Sometimes we take the most important
419 things for granted until it’s too late and we no longer have them.
420 I’m glad that I took all of the footage of you I did so that I can
421 still watch you. So even if you’re far away from me, I can still lose
422 myself in memories of the past. You always were such a cute girl. And
423 you’ve grown into a very lovely woman. I’m lucky to have been able to
424 stay by your side for as long as I could. I always knew it would end
425 one day. So I wanted to capture everything on videotape, a beautiful
426 record of you that I could always keep close to my heart. So I’m
427 happy as long as I can curl up and watch your cute adventures all
428 over again, Sakura-chan. You were always so amazing! No matter what
429 you were doing, you always captivated me.
430 I understand if there are certain things that you would rather not
431 talk about on the phone. In a way, letters can be more private. You
432 don’t have to worry about anyone coming in or saying something
433 confusing when you can’t look them in the eye and explain what you
434 mean. More letters from you are always a good thing. Work can be
435 busy, but I like taking your letters with me and reading them when I
436 have some spare moments. Now that you’re sending new ones again, I’ll
437 be happy to get back to them all as soon as I can. We can split the
438 cost of the calls if you want, Sakura-chan. It just makes my heart
439 swell
440 to hear you on the other line, so I would be more than willing to
441 pay anything for that gift. I will call you this Sunday, then. And
442 every other Sunday I will wait patiently by my phone for you. That
443 should keep us from getting too many busy signals. I was so worried
444 that someone else was using the phone or that something had gone
445 wrong with the phone lines when I couldn’t get through. It’s easier
446 to panic now because I won’t be seeing you the next day to see what
447 happened. But I should have known that it wasn’t anything too
448 problematic for you. After all, there’s nothing Sakura-chan can’t
449 handle!
450 One of these days, when I come out and visit you (hopefully
451 to help when you're pregnant or with a little one) I would love to
452 try some of your tea. I’m sure it must be very good by now,
453 especially after Ieran-sama’s help. And please don’t let her scare
454 you. It sounds like you’re slowly starting to warm her up to you. She
455 holds much back so as to remain a figure of authority, but she must
456 be coming to a slow realization that Sakura-chan really is the
457 perfect wife for her son. From the sounds of things, she’s already
458 helped you on the way to making your own tea an art form. Then again,
459 everything you did always seemed like art to me. Now that you mention
460 it, I really wish I had gotten more footage of you capturing the
461 Jump Card (you were so brave when you faced it’s giant, cute doll
462 form!), but I’m glad that I could help by distracting Maki-san. I
463 told her everything I knew about tea and then everything I knew about
464 videotape. She was a very good listener. I was always happy to help
465 you. Though I think it surprised you when I took the guard schedule
466 from the museum when we were looking for the Silent Card. Oh, you
467 made such a cute thief! I loved capturing
468 all of your adventures on videotape, but I was glad when I could
469 help you, too. But you and Li-kun always made such a good team. He
470 was a great sidekick to Cardcaptor Sakura. So it fits that you would
471 go on your happy marriage journey together. But I’m glad that you
472 still think of me being there with you when you’re nervous. Whenever
473 you think about that, just know that I am with you because you’re
474 always in my thoughts. So whatever Sakura-chan’s doing, I’m right
475 beside her, knowing that she’ll do an excellent job.
476 Oh, you must have looked so kawaii when you were blushing!
477 Everytime I reread that part of the letter, I could see you blushing
478 in my mind. You always looked so adorable when I dressed you up in
479 one of my costumes and you’d blush. Or when you’d blush after I’d say
480 something about you. Please remember that I was always telling the
481 truth! I was still happy to bring a blush to your cheeks, though. I
482 think it helps show that sweet innocence of yours even more. I’ll
483 have to go find a videotape of you blushing when I’m done now. But
484 that shouldn’t be too difficult because the costumes did a good job
485 of bringing that out. I always filmed you because you were the most
486 beautiful thing I could possibly film. There was no reason for me to
487 film anything else. But I think my camcorder is still happy to be
488 back at work because she knows the videos will go to you. My
489 camcorder and I are both excited that Sakura-chan likes the videos.
490 I’ll make sure I send more soon. I’ll need to try some more desserts.
491 Your new family should like that. And I’ll have to try new outfits
492 and hair styles now that I know Sakura-chan is watching the tapes to
493 see me. I’m so glad
494 that you think I look cute in them. That’s the sweetest compliment I
495 could possibly have hoped for. Thank you so much, Sakura-chan.
496 I’ve been thinking about your prophetic dream since I first read
497 about it. I’m sorry to say that I can’t think of what it could mean.
498 But I do think that you should listen carefully to it. I think you’re
499 right, that with time it will grow clearer. Sakura-chan’s dreams are
500 very trustworthy. Keep your heart open, but try not to worry too
501 much. I’m sure that you’ll figure it out when it’s time. Maybe you
502 and Li-kun have to come back to Japan soon to finish something up
503 with the Sakura Cards. Then I could videotape Sakura-chan’s older
504 Cardmistress adventures! But this makes me think of something else
505 that’s a little strange. The Dream Card gave premonitory dreams,
506 didn’t it? The dream if gave me before you caught it was filming lots
507 and lots of Sakura-chan’s. I guess it just meant that I would
508 continue to videotape you for a long time to come. Which was very
509 accurate because now I have many videotapes of you in my personal
510 collection. Hmm... Your dream sounds pretty vague now, but I’m sure
511 that given time it will make
512 full sense to you. You always did make a good prophet. Maybe you
513 could try to do a Tarot reading with the Sakura Cards to figure out
514 more of what it meant.
515 Sakura-chan looks so pretty in her P.E. teacher’s uniform!
516 The album is coming along gorgeously. I’ve been putting all of the
517 pictures you’ve been sending to me in it, from the ones of the
518 dinners you make to the ones of you and Li-kun and the family. I’m
519 having a lot of fun arranging it. Your students must be very lucky
520 to have you as their teacher. I know I would have been entranced to
521 have a teacher like you. It would definitely make me want to try my
522 hardest. Sakura-chan’s students must be very eager for her. I never
523 really thought that you would be a sensei, but now that you are, it
524 sounds perfect for you. Especially of Physical Education. Sakura-chan
525 was always so athletic. So now it just sounds right that you would
526 be. I’m glad that your Chinese is coming along so well. It should
527 help with your students and with Li-kun’s family. You’ll have to
528 speak to me in it the next time we talk on the phone. And it’s great
529 that you are
530 giving Fanren-san and the Principal Japanese lessons. So Sakura-
531 chan’s being a very busy sensei indeed! I’m sure that Li-kun will
532 find it nice to have you out working so hard with your students.
533 I’m so sorry for you about the fight. That must have been
534 horrible for you. I know how easily you can get hurt by things like
535 that. I really wish I had been there afterwards to help you. But it
536 sounds like it all worked out rather well. Please don’t worry about
537 the fight. It depends on who the people are, Sakura-chan. Your
538 father is a very calm man and from what my mother told me about
539 your mother, Nadeshiko-san was always a caring, gentle person, no
540 matter what was going on. So they really wouldn’t get into any
541 fights. You are a very emotional girl. Emotions don’t have to be
542 logical. Love rarely ever is. So all that matters is how you felt.
543 And
544 Li-kun can be stubborn. So with him working so much and you
545 being lonely and homesick, it makes sense that there would be some
546 conflict. I’m sure you were both devastated by the argument and
547 that you were eager to make up. Sometimes love can be painful, but
548 it can also be heavenly. Don’t let the little slips disturb your
549 little
550 slice of heaven. I know it must be difficult with you, out on your
551 own in a different country with a completely different family and
552 none of your old family or friends around. No one can fault you for
553 being homesick, Sakura-chan. If I could pack everyone up and
554 move them out there to keep you happy, I would. Then Sakura-
555 chan wouldn’t have to be lonely anymore. But I’m sure as you
556 make new friends and as you get closer to Li-kun’s family, you’ll
557 start feeling better. As long as you try your best, everything will
558 work out. It feels lonely back here without your lovely presence,
559 but I know that my wonderful best friend is living her exciting new
560 life on the other side of the ocean, so there’s nothing for me to be
561 lonely about.
562 Kawaii!!! I’m so happy that you told me about that dream, Sakura-
563 chan. I can only imagine you with a deep blush, wearing cute boy’s
564 clothes and holding a ring. You must have been so embarrassed in the
565 dream to be asking something like that. But if Sakura-chan went
566 through all that trouble, I would find it very difficult to turn
567 ‘him’ down. That does sound like a strange dream, but it sounds
568 beautiful, too. To think that anyone would care that much about me,
569 that things really could have turned out so well. It must have been a
570 very odd dream for you to have. It must be from you worrying about my
571 love life so much lately. It would make me so happy to have my True
572 Love propose to me
573 like that. It sounded so romantic, too. Part of me wishes that
574 things could have worked out that happily with the one I love. But
575 instead, I’ll just think of your dream fondly as a what might have
576 been. If Sakura-chan was the boy I loved but never told, I would be a
577 very lucky girl. Please don’t cry for me, Sakura-chan. It makes me
578 sad to
579 think of you in tears, especially over me. Love can hurt and love
580 can be a very lonely feeling, but I would never give up the love in
581 my heart even if it meant that I wouldn’t have to worry about any
582 of that. My love for them will never change, even if they don’t
583 know. So I’ll love them from afar, glad to see them during the
584 happiest years of their life. I’m happy, Sakura-chan. Please don’t
585 worry about me.
586 Your happiness means so much to me. I wouldn’t want you to give up
587 any of it for my sake. Remember, it makes me happy when you are. So
588 you have to be happy for me. Don’t be ashamed. You were the best
589 friend that I could ever ask for. You never knew that I needed any
590 help to begin with and I was always eager to help you when I could.
591 Besides, I don’t think Fate ever intended for me to have my love, so
592 there was nothing you could do even had you known. But I accepted
593 that a long time ago. How can you be sad when the one you love is
594 happy? If you really, truly love them, then that should be enough. To
595 know that
596 they’re happy in ways you could never make them. When you close your
597 eyes, you can feel them close to your heart, and your love just grows
598 knowing what a special person you’ve found. I’m very lucky to have
599 found my special person, Sakura-chan. It doesn’t matter whether or
600 not they love me. I’ll always love them regardless, so it doesn’t
601 change that in the least. Thank you so much for wanting to help me.
602 You really are a perfect best friend.
603 Mother has been a little confused lately, I think. She says she
604 doesn’t want to see me alone and to end up like her. She’s angry with
605 my special someone for leaving me alone like this but she cares for
606 them as well. So I think it’s difficult for her to sort out her
607 emotions. I’m trying to convince her not to be angry because I’m
608 happy with how things have turned out, but mother can be a very
609 stubborn woman. She was, on the other hand, very pleased with the
610 doll I finished designing. I’ll send the finished designs along with
611 this.
612 Soon enough, the doll itself should be in production. Cutecaptor
613 Haneko will be the first toy that I was the head of the designs for.
614 I’m very excited about it. If the sales go well, there may even be an
615 anime tie in. I guess mother liked the backstory I came up with for
616 Haneko-chan. I’ll be going to the Toy Fair in a few weeks with the
617 prototype doll along with mother for the showcasing of many other
618 Daidouji toys.
619 It seems that Flower has the same preferences as mother. I really
620 can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t want to dance with Sakura-chan.
621 That must have been a lot of fun. You really did need something to
622 relax you after worrying about everything. I can understand why
623 you wouldn’t want to tell Li-kun. That might seem a little strange
624 to him. But I’m glad that you’re still talking to the Sakura Cards.
625 They all loved you so much.
626 Magic or not, I know that your beautiful spirit will always shine
627 through. You made a wonderful magical girl, but that was never what
628 was
629 important to me. It was you. It was seeing the genki, bright girl
630 that you always were and getting to be close to you. That was always
631 more important to me than any magic. You spin your own magic, Sakura-
632 chan. Thank you again, my sweet friend. But you really don’t have to
633 worry about me. I’ll be fine. I’m sure that everything will always be
634 all right. It’s your power phrase, after all. So I have to believe
635 it. Because I believe in you. And I always knew that you’d rescue me.
636 I will be all right. I am all right. You don’t have to worry. I would
637 never want to worry you, Sakura-chan.
638 Give Kero-chan another hug for me and please distribute my love
639 among everyone and the Cards, but be sure to keep a huge chunk for
640 yourself. I sent along the cassette you asked for. I tried to put in
641 some variety to the music so that there should be plenty to listen to
642 on it. I kept from anything sad this time. I always love singing for
643 you, Sakura-chan. So I'm very happy to have you as my delayed
644 audience.
647 Your friend in Tomoeda,
648 Daidouji Tomoyo
652 Dear Tomoyo-chan,
654 Things are so hectic here that it is just a pleasure to sit down and
655 write a letter to my very best friend across the sea. I usually wake
656 up around 5:00 AM and do some housework before catching the 6:20 bus
657 for Fung Kai Liu Yun Sum Memorial Primary School. But I woke up
658 especially early today so I could write to you. I am so glad we are
659 still in touch with each other, Tomoyo-chan. The thought occurred to
660 me that because we are not together all the time as we used to be, we
661 might drift apart somehow. When I thought this, I became very
662 worried, and gathered together all of my letters from you, and your
663 videos, and the cassettes of your singing. But if this was all I had
664 of you, if this was all that was left, I don't know what I would do.
665 I feel bad asking this, because in a way I left you to come to Hong
666 Kong. So, I have no right to say this. But Tomoyo-chan, please don't
667 ever leave me. If I did not have you to talk with, to listen to, and
668 if I did not think you remembered me, I just don't know how I could
669 get through even one day.
671 Gomenesai. This is supposed to be a happy letter. There have been
672 many happy things going on since last I wrote. I have made friends
673 with a teacher at work, and I told her about you, and how much you
674 meant to me. She is older than I am, and very smart. Hoeee, she
675 teaches mathematics, and knows so many things! She told me she once
676 had a friend like you, when she was growing up. She said she had
677 fallen in love with that friend, and thought they would always be
678 together. But after high school, her friend moved away to England.
679 For a while they wrote letters, and talked on the phone. But
680 eventually, she says they drifted apart, and even stopped writing.
681 She was crying. She apologized for being so foolish, and said it felt
682 odd to still care so much. Tomoyo-chan, I don't want us to ever drift
683 apart like that. I was so afraid after I talked to her. I thought,
684 what if there was no Tomoyo-chan in my life? I am so happy here with
685 my new family in Hong Kong, but if I lost you, I don't think I could
686 live anymore.
688 Gomenesai. All right, let me tell you about all the happy things
689 that have been happening. My job is a lot of work, but it is
690 wonderful! I am the girl's P.E. teacher, and teach 5 classes a day,
691 one for each grade. Thank you so much for sending the books on P.E.
692 instruction that I asked for on the phone. They have been a big help.
693 I never knew there was so much to teaching! So far, I have shown the
694 students fundamentals of exercise. Next week, we will begin a unit on
695 gymnastics. "Lessons must be adjusted to the grade level, individual
696 level of development, and personal level of motivation and perceived
697 capability". Hoeee, sometimes reading the books makes my head dizzy,
698 but I am trying my best. At least I am not teaching mathematics! And
699 I know you said you will pay for the books and the shipping costs,
700 but I did want to do something in return. So, I sent you a book
701 entitled, "The Flora of Hong Kong and Surrounding Areas". It is in
702 English, so I do not know much of what is says. But I thought the
703 pictures were beautiful, and hope that you like it. I got the idea
704 from Flower, by the way. She sends her love. She remembers you
705 fondly, and was wondering if you like to dance, or just to film
706 dancing?
708 I went shopping in the City after school let out early last Monday.
709 I bought a tea set, with a little purple teapot and 2 lavender cups.
710 For some reason, they reminded me very much of you, although the set
711 is from Great Britain, and of course you are from Japan. Anyway, I
712 decided to save it for when you came to visit. It will be my special
713 Tomoyo chan tea set. Maybe after you have finished work on the Haneko
714 chan doll, you might be able to come and visit? Tomoyo-chan, I would
715 dearly love to see you again. And we could go shopping together.
716 There are many wonderful stores here, and now that I am making my own
717 money to spend, I appreciate the prices!
719 I was blushing when I read about me blushing in your letter. Thank
720 you, Tomoyo-chan. You always made me feel so special with your
721 unusual costumes, and kind words, and all the little things you have
722 always done for me. Talking about capturing Jump and Silence brought
723 back many memories, especially of you. And thank you so very much for
724 the wonderful videotapes. Kero-chan was very excited at the prospect
725 of dessert videos. I play them a lot lately, and not just for help in
726 cooking, though that is very much appreciated. You are so beautiful
727 that sometimes my heart aches to see you in them. I have a picture of
728 Mother on the dresser in my room. I'd never really realized how much
729 the two of you look alike. And from everything Oniichan and Father
730 have told me, you sound so much like her: sweet, gentle, patient, and
731 loving. I think Sonomi-sama is very perceptive and wise when she says
732 you remind her of Mother. If it would not be too much trouble, could
733 you send me a picture of you? I would like to put in on the dresser,
734 so I can see you both before I sleep.
736 I had that dream again, the one where I can see Tokyo Tower. Last
737 night, there was more of the dream. I could see a figure on the
738 Tower, but was not able to make out who it was. Kero-chan will not
739 say anything about it, because he says only I can understand the
740 dream's true meaning. He says it may take time for the dream to
741 ripen, so I must be patient. Thank you for the suggestion about the
742 Dream Card. I talked with her about it, but she only smiled, and said
743 it sounded like a very interesting dream. If I did come back to Japan
744 because of this, then I could see you again. That would be so
745 wonderful! And I did do a reading with my cards, but not about the
746 dream. About something more important. It was very exhausting, and I
747 will tell you about it later in the letter.
749 As for the other dream I had, the one with you in it, umm, Tomoyo-
750 chan, how did you know it was me dressed in boy’s clothes? After you
751 wrote that, I remembered that in my dream the boy looked like me, and
752 really was me. I guess that is because I didn’t know who he really
753 is. But how did you know that? Anyway, I was very nervous and
754 embarrassed in the dream, but it was still a beautiful moment.
755 Syaoran-chan told me that proposing marriage was the hardest thing he
756 had ever done, much worse than any of his battles, or even training
757 with Ieran-sama. I don’t know how boys do it. I guess it is sort of a
758 test, to offer up your heart to the one you love. You may be
759 rejected, and that would be terribly painful, but you must offer
760 yourself as a sacrifice to your beloved. I remember the dream most
761 vividly. I guess you are right, that I had the dream because I was
762 worrying so much about you. And thank you for the kind words about
763 me as your friend. I know you would never blame me for anything, even
764 if I was at fault. But I can’t help but feel that somehow I have
765 failed you, my very best friend. I think your love is such a precious
766 thing, and am glad it is close to your heart. But I do wish your true
767 love was with you. I know he would be, if he knew, and he could.
769 Thank you for the kind words on my first fight. You are so wise
770 about people, and it helped to read your observations about Syaoran-
771 chan and me. It really was so awful. It felt as if our love was no
772 longer there, just anger and regret. I am so happy that we made up
773 the next morning. I never, ever want to fight like that again.
774 Syaoran-chan is my one, true love, and I should be thankful for him
775 no matter what happens. But we almost had another fight just two
776 nights. Syaoran-chan was very late from work, but I missed him so
777 much that I stayed up until 1 AM, even though I must be up so early
778 to go to work. He was surprised to see me, and did not seem very
779 happy. I asked him how work was, and he mumbled something I could
780 not understand. I told him I had tried to call, but there was no
781 answer in his office. He got angry, and accused me of prying. Tomoyo-
782 chan, I did not mean it like that at all. I just wanted him to know
783 that I cared about him, and wanted to talk with him. He said he had
784 gone out with some people in his office for beers. He said that was a
785 part of his job. I was very hurt, because I felt he cared more for
786 going out with other people than seeing me. But I did not say
787 anything because I did not want another fight. Syaoran-chan went to
788 bed, but I was too upset to sleep, so I called Oniichan. He was
789 sleeping, but I told him all that had happened, and I guess I cried a
790 lot. He told me that salarymen have to do this a lot, and not to
791 worry about it. That made me feel better.
793 So, the next morning, when I served Syaoran-chan his breakfast, I
794 gave him a note asking if we could talk about something when he got
795 home that night. I think he was afraid I was still upset about the
796 night before, but I really wasn’t. Well, not a lot, anyway. So, he
797 was home very early that night, and we talked about our day, which
798 was nice. I told him that I was sorry about being angry the night
799 before, and that Oniichan had told me this was a part of his job, and
800 I shouldn’t feel hurt. He seemed surprised that Oniichan had said
801 this, but was happy that everything had been resolved. Then I told
802 him about the dream with Tokyo Tower. He seemed concerned, and I know
803 he will do all he can to help. I feel he will somehow protect me, as
804 he always has. I am so glad that everything turned out well.I really
805 am lucky to have found my true love.
807 I did a card reading Sunday, after our phone call. I was surprised
808 at how difficult it was, and how very tired it made me. Tomoyo chan,
809 please do not be angry with me, but I wanted to know who your special
810 person is. I knew you would not tell me if I asked, so I asked the
811 cards instead. I asked them just to give me a hint, since it did not
812 seem right to ask without your permission. Well, the important cards
813 that came up were Loop and Illusion. Illusion showed me an image of
814 myself, and when I added that to Loop, it seemed to me that your
815 special someone is very close to me. In fact, I am certain that this
816 is true. So, I have been thinking about all you have said about your
817 special someone. I think I know who it is.
819 This person is very close to me. This person is someone who does not
820 know that you love them. It must be a very wonderful person for you
821 to have given your heart to them, for the person that Tomoyo-chan
822 loves must be very special, indeed. You have known this person a long
823 time. You were going to tell them of your love, but hesitated when
824 they found someone else. Now you are happy for them, and do not wish
825 to intrude on their happiness.
827 Tomoyo-chan, do you love Oniichan?
829 It makes sense to me now that you were blushing the first time you
830 saw him. And I think that Oniichan also likes you. Remember when I
831 told you Oniichan was talking about you when Syaoran-chan and I
832 announced our engagement? Tomoyo-chan, he was saying the most
833 wonderful things about you. He said you were bright, and sweet, and
834 caring, and pretty, and would be a wonderful companion for life. I
835 guess I am sort of dense about these things, and I did not understand
836 what he was saying. I did not know that he liked you, -like that-.
837 But you are right, he is very happy with Yukito-san, and I don’t know
838 what to say or do. Perhaps he likes you, and also Yukito-san? Maybe
839 you are right that it is best if you keep your love silent. But I am
840 still sad that I will never get to see you at your wedding. I wish
841 there was something I could do. If you would like, I can talk to
842 Oniichan. Somehow it is too sad that Tomoyo-chan’s precious love must
843 be kept in the beautiful cage of her heart.
845 Tomoyo-chan, I don’t quite know how, but somehow you will be all
846 right.
848 I must run to my bus soon, but I wanted to thank you for the
849 beautiful songs. I listen to them very often. I think with my next
850 paycheck I will but a cassette tape player, so I can hear you on the
851 way to work. When I listen to your voice, I feel that my best friend
852 will always be with me. Thank you so much Tomoyo chan.
854 Love,
857 Kinomoto Sakura
859 PS- Aiyaaa, I am always forgetting to put this in the letter. Kero-
860 chan sends his love. Oh, and he made me promise to ask for the cake
861 recipe with the strawberries. I am sorry. Syoaran-chan sends his
862 regards.
864 PPS- Please give Sonomi-sama my love. I know she wants only the best
865 for her precious daughter. And I think she is right. I don’t see how
866 anybody who leaves you could be happy.