That ache in Tifa's chest is easing up, slowly but surely. She's about to answer Aerith's question, but when she notices the tears in her eyes, she reaches up to brush her fingers against her friend's cheek impulsively. It ignites the empathy bond, but all Aerith gets is a little rush of relief and happiness edging out grief. Tifa yanks her hand back, looking a little embarrassed. It isn't that the empathy bond is bad, exactly, it's just... maybe not the best thing to spring on someone.

"I'm sorry. I... I keep forgetting."