[ It's hard to see her like this -- to know that he's the reason for this hurt. That his absence caused so much pain.

A knot lodges in his throat, and after a moment, he gently reaches for both her hands to grasp them in his. ]

Aerith... [ His voice cracks, and he has to take a breath to steady himself. ] I know there are a lot of things I never got to explain. A lot of time that...we can't get back. But I want you to know...I love you.

[ I never stopped caring or wanting to be with you. ]