[He knows what he said might hit hard, but it's something that needs to be pointed out. Of course, he's not guiltless. He takes things on his own all the time, and he's also being unfair to Tifa as well. Even if his thought process is well intended (not wanting her to worry), it's still keeping her out. And now...it's about time to open up before they really do make a mistake.]

As to why it keeps appearing... I'm not sure I have an answer, except that the nightmares are pulling out my deepest fears and making me face them as if to remind me.

[A small snort of derision.]

I promise you, the things you see... I don't think about them often. But it is true that they exist. Especially... [His face twists again as he hates having to say it aloud let alone think about it.] ...Of you dying.