Spirited Away: Haku's Return

A small, and wizened old lady rocked softly back and forth, in her chair by the window. Face, lined and care-worn, hair white as snow – only her eyes belied her age; two dark brown pools, glittering with intelligence and tears of remembrance.

Every night she sat here gazing out of the window – every night for over 60 years – ever since she was a little girl. A smile grew across her features, as once again her mind showed her images and put faces to names: Lin, Kamajji, No Face, Boh, Zeniba, Yubaba … Haku.

As she closed her eyes, the woman thought she could still feel the soft mane of the dragon beneath her fingers; the touch of slightly calloused hands as they held hers.

A tear slid softly down her cheek, glistening, as it caught and reflected the moonlight – splashing inaudibly onto her lap. A ragged sigh passed pale thin lips – it was like this every night. For years she had waited, trusting in the promise he had made. For years she had let her life in this world slip away, putting her faith in an aqua-eyed spirit.

She missed him so much – loved him with her heart. Though it seemed as though her waiting were pointless, she would never give up hope.

Wind rushed through the room, accompanied by the smell of herbs and water. Opening her eyes, the old woman gasped. Before her stood a snow-white dragon, with an aquamarine mane, watching her with those same eyes she remembered all those years ago.

With a smile of happiness she had not known in years, the old woman eased off her chair and knelt, wrapping her arms around the spirit.

"Kohaku," she breathed, "you came."