[ Eventually, Susato's grip does ease up on Aerith, and she pulls back a little to eye the taller woman. Her gaze then seems to wander in thought, staring at the waterfall rushing into the pond out of the corner of her eye. ]

Well... It will not be my first time, living without him.

[ Letting go of Aerith, however reluctantly, her hands fall to her hips. She sucks in a breath. ]

At the very least, I am better prepared for it. I will move on, and should he ever come back, he will be as proud of me as I am of him.

[ He already said that once. She held onto those words, keeping them close to her heart.

Didn't know that she might need the reminder again so soon. ]