Cloud's back. He always comes back.

How come they never bring Papa back? He's really strong, too, and he could help around here like he did before. He was really good at moving big things and keeping everybody working together, and making sure nobody did anything bad if he could help it. He's a good fighter like Cloud, so how come...

I like Cloud being here, because I really miss him when he's gone, too, but it's just not fair that he always gets to come back, but Papa doesn't. They bring other kid's Papas, but not mine. ... Maybe he's just really busy back home and they need him there more than I we need him here.

The ash turned red. Is that supposed to happen? There's a lot more of it, too. I can't see very far out the window because there's so much. I wish it would stop. I want to go outside and play, and see if my friends are okay.

... You guys are okay, right?

I don't want to talk about it, okay! There's nothing to talk about! You don't have to shock me!

... Goodbye, Denzel. I know it's too late to say goodbye. You're already gone, but they never give anyone a chance...

I miss you already.

Cloud, Tifa, Badou, Vincent, Aeris, Zack. Papa's the only one that they don't bring back anymore. I don't understand... I miss him the most. I just wish I could talk to him...

Happy Birthday, Hikaru and Kaoru! I made cards for both of you if you want them. Hikaru's is light blue and Kaoru's is orange. How old are you today?

( Attempted filter from Cloud; FAILED )

No more school? But I was just starting to like it! Oh well. Maybe now I can pay more attention to this thing so it doesn't buzz anymore. That hurt!

... Actually, I don't think I want to check it anymore. People are getting sick, and dying and... m-murdered? No, it's just.. a cold, not murder, right?

Tifa, Nani.. you're not sick, right? Lilo? Reno? Everyone should do like Mister Jackie says and wash their hands really good so we don't share germs and get other people sick. Remember to cover your mouth when you cough and don't share the same cup unless you really, really have to! Be really careful.

I guess I have more birthday cards to make. We're going to need another box of crayons, soon, and some more paper, too.

That's a whole lot of people! ... Papa? Are you out there?

I... thank you to everybody that sang to me. Oh, and thank you too, Mr. Spirit.

I feel the same being eight years old as I did when I was seven. Is there a certain age that I start to feel more like a grown-up? Maybe next year when I'm nine.

Nani, I... Well, it's Mother's Day and I know you're not really-- but you still--... I have a card for you.

Papa said her name was Eleanor... I think I'll make a card for her, and Myrna, too, even if I can't actually give theirs to them.

Nani, Nani! Can I have a birthday party like I did last year? If not, that's okay, I just wanted to ask. Cloud, will you come if I have a party? Reno?

Oh yeah! Did everyone have fun last night at Demyx's talent show? I know me and Lilo did. Everyone did really good. We should have talent shows more often when bad things aren't happening.

... I remember this picture. When did it get here?

Demyx! Are you going to have a concert or a talent show soon? I think you should! You have the awdit auditorium now, right? So you should celebrate! Me and Lilo have a dance ready for whenever you do, if that's okay.

How come some people come back with their memories and some of them don't? Papa remembered everything when he came back, and Tifa did too, but most people forget. Cloud always forgets.

Welcome back, Badou, even if you don't remember... Cid! You're here too, aren't you?

Oh! It's my birthday next month already?

I think I'm going to start giving out birthday cards at the end of every month instead of on specific days 'cause it's easier that way. So Demyx, Ichigo, and Sakura, I have a card for each of you! If I missed anyone with a birthday in March, I'm sorry! Just remind me!

I had a dream about Papa last night. It was good until the end. I hope he's okay. I really miss him. And Tifa, too.

It's late and I should probably go to bed before Nani catches me, but I'm not tired and my tummy aches too much to sleep.

... Harry's gone? I--

[a small, sharp intake of breath. it sounds like she's trying not to cry, but to no avail.]

I-it's not fair... he's... N-now I don't have a-a-anyone like Papa...

The rainbows are really pretty and really bright! I wish my crayons were that bright so I could draw them the way they look. I thought rainbows only come after it rains, though. And only one.

Oh! Happy Birthday, Sho! I have a card for you.

It kind of reminds me of Bahamut, only pink, and not so scary. Um. There's a... dragon. Is it good or bad? Should we all stay inside? I don't think it's tried to hurt anybody so far.

Oh, everyone! If you have time, you should stop by Maka's book club! I think there's even a puppet show. I helped make some of the puppets! She worked really, really hard and it would be nice if you came to see it at least once!

I found some chalk. Does anyone know how to play hopscotch? I think I want to go outside to play today.

Hmm. There sure are a lot of birthdays in March~

Guys, guys! Guess what?

DENZEL IS HERE!

I'm so excited! But kind of sad at the same time, because this isn't a very nice place to come to. I haven't seen him in over a year, though, and I really missed him...

Cloud! You, me, and Denzel should spend a day together! Like home. Well, almost. Tifa... I mean, only if you're not busy. Oh, and um... I don't know if you remember him, but Kadaj's other brother is here now too. Weird that they brought him at the same time as Denzel. Be careful, okay? You too, Aeris. Reno.

Oh, yeah! Don't think I haven't forgotten about the birthdays coming up! I have a whole list of people that told me when their birthday is, but I don't have any new ones, and I know there are some new people that I probably haven't met before. If you want a birthday card from me and Lilo, just tell me when your birthday is and maybe we'll surprise you! Denzel, I have a card for you too.

Is it over? I don't want to see anymore.

I've never seen this place before...

[in the background, the commotion of people fighting off the noise can be heard faintly, and just over that is the quiet sound of murmuring, the words undecipherable. there's a pause, and then Marlene speaks into the communicator, voice a little shaky, but firm, as if she's trying to stay strong.]

N-Nani...? I'm okay. I-I hope you are too. I made a pact with Nanako. She's here too; don't worry, I'll protect her!

U-um. Cloud, Mona, Reno... Testament- be careful, o-okay?

There are lots of birthdays in March! I got new crayons for Valentine's day, so if your birthday is coming soon and you told me about it when I asked a while back, you can expect a card! I promise not to forget! Maybe I should make a card for Papa's birthday too, and give it to him when I get to go back home so he knows I didn't forget. I'll make one for Denzel, too.

Cloud! You're really good at hide and seek, better at hiding than at seeking! Can we play again sometime? Maybe with Nani and Lilo and Mona and Reno, too! Oh! I know! We should have a really really big game of hide and seek with everyone! Does anyone else want to play?

Reno, I drew you a picture. People only usually say bad words when they're sad or upset, so... I wanted to try to cheer you up.

... does anyone know how to use a rose?

It's really pretty.

Oh, and thank you very much for the chocolate and the crayons, whoever you are! I wish I knew who you were, so I could make you a special card.