Introduction

The boy, nearly a man, stood on the street corner, debating whether or not to approach the foreboding house. By all means it didn't look foreboding, quite the opposite with its china blue door and sparkling windows, but still he wondered whether or not to approach it—there would be no turning back, and everything rested on it.

He had waited so long for this moment, tucked safely away in dreams and fantasies, but now when the moment of truth arrived, he didn't know if he could do it.

What will happen when I knock? Will she even remember me? He thought. It had been quite a few years since their adventure, would she even remember his name? With a determined sigh he crossed the street and found his legs taking him to the door—dreaming for this day for so long, he knew he couldn't live with himself if he didn't at least try.

His slender hand knocked on the door, and when he found himself waiting for an answer his mind reeled, wondering whether maybe he should bolt or not. He could hear footsteps approaching. Too late. He thought.

The door opened with a creak, and when he saw an attractive woman with short brown hair he had half expected to see a pig. She greeted him warmly with a smile, and he wondered what she must think of a stranger asking for her daughter.

"Is Chihiro here?" He heard is voice, but it sounded so distant, so far away. She smiled, or more, broadened the one that was already there.

"Oh, she's at university in Tokyo." Her voice sounded a little disappointed, as if she expected him to be upset. "May I ask who you are?" She was very polite, but he knew she must be very confused at this stranger's appearance.

"Haku." He said simply. "An old friend." He added in way of an explanation. "I was hoping to catch up with her." Her smile dropped to an understanding level and listened as if she expected him to say more. "Do you know where I can find her in Tokyo?" He then prodded.