Anyone that knows me knows that I'm obsessed with Final Fantasy VII. That game means the world to me, and that's not something many people can understand.

When I was 12, my mother and I were homeless. We ended up moving in with an elderly man named Bill, who my mother cleaned for.

Bill and I became very close very quickly. His wife had died and he was incredibly lonely. I was lonely too. I didn't have any friends but Bill.

For my 13th birthday, Bill bought me a Playstation and Final Fantasy VII. That was a HUGE deal to a kid who owned literally nothing. I would play and he would watch. He'd cheer me on. Playing FInal Fantasy VII was the only thing I had to look forward to. It was my escape, and the characters became my friends.

Bill locked himself in the garage with the car running that December. Every year, around this time, I play Final Fantasy VII.

I miss you Bill.