"Are you feeling better now?" The woman asked. Tifa nodded. She noticed that Elmyra looked worn and as if she hadn't slept. She guessed she didn't look much better.
"Why don't you go and get freshened up and I'll go make breakfast for you ok?" Tifa nodded again and got up towards the bathroom.
When she finished she headed back to her room and went towards the small wardrobe. There wasn't much in there, mostly long dresses. She took out a t-shirt and jeans and quickly slipped them on then headed down stairs where breakfast awaited her. She could smell omlets and toast. She walked into the small kitchen and sat down at the table opposite Elmyra and began to immediatly eat.
"You sure are hungry," Elmyra said.
"Sorry, it's just that I haven't eaten since yesterday-"
"Hey, it's alright."
"Thanks," Tifa said.
"So what happened?" Elmyra asked Tifa.
"I don't really wanna talk about it if that's alright with you."
"It's ok."
"You look worried," Tifa said, studying Elmyra who didn't reply.
Tifa soon finished her breakfast and got up and went to sit in the living room.
"Do you wanna go outside and get some fresh air?" Elmyra asked.
"I'd like that thanks," Tifa said and Elmyra walked her out into the garden. Tifa was facinated.
"Wow... these flowers sure are pretty!" Tifa exclaimed, and immediatly knelt down and smelt them. She felt a pang of nostalgia as she was reminded of Nibelheilm. "I never see flowers in Midgar. It's been a while...did you do these?"
"No," Elmyra said and came up and knelt down beside her. "I have a daughter about your age. She plants all these flowers. You're right, they are very beautiful."
"Where is your daughter then?" Tifa asked.
Elmyra bowed her head and waited a long time before answering.
"...I got a visit from a man called Tseng. He said Shinra has her but she's safe."
"What do you mean?"
"She never came home yesterday from school."
"Oh..." Tifa didn't know what to say. She bowed her head, thinking about Marlene.
"They've been hounding her since she was very young." You see, Aeris is a very special girl.
"Aeris?" Tifa's eyebrows went up.
"Yeah, that's her name."
"Did she happen to go to the sector seven community school?"
"Yes- did you know her?"
"Well...I did meet her. I'm kinda new around here."
"I see."
"I kind of ran...away from home."
Elmyra shook her head. "Your parents must be worried sick about you."
Tifa took a deep breath.
"My parents are...dead."
Elmyra looked up.
"I'm...sorry."
Tifa shook her head.
"I've been living with some friends ever since. And now... I did something
terrible."
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