Disclaimer: I don't own Spirited Away.

Chihiro walked through the seemingly empty streets in the glow of the setting sun. Things would be lively once the sun set; she knew that. That hadn't changed, but everything else seemed different somehow. But, of course, she hadn't been here in a few years.

As she walked further into the spirit world, she could smell all the food cooking and see shadows lingering about. They were staring at her, but she wasn't afraid as she had been years ago. No, now she was a young adult and she was prepared. It felt like home here. This place was full of bittersweet memories.

She frowned and stopped a few mere inches from the bridge to the bathhouse. Did she dare go further? She wasn't even sure she was allowed to be here anymore. No one really liked humans, but she had changed that a bit the last and only time she had set foot here. But had things gone back to normal? She just wanted to see her friends.

But already she could feel the old wounds opening up. Why had she come at all? She knew she couldn't stay, so why had she torn her heart open to come when she acknowledged the fact she would have to say goodbye?

The last few rays of light faded from the sky. It was too late to turn back now. She would have to stay until morning. A few tears fell from her eyes. She had been stupid, driven by a desire that could not be satisfied happily.

"I thought I told you now to look back," a cold voice said behind her.

She froze. She knew the voice; yes, all too well. "I had to know I didn't dream it up," she whispered without turning to face the spirit even thought she could hear footsteps draw near to her.

"You couldn't dream up a place this cruel, Chihiro. Freedom is a gift you gave me; I haven't forgotten."

More tears fell from the girl's eyes as she whirled around to throw herself into the river spirit's arms. She didn't care if he didn't want her here; she was going to hug him. He had to be real; he just had to.

She sniffed, burying her face in his chest as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Haku," she said pitifully.

"See, I could never be a figment of your imagination," he said, rubbing her back. "But, Chihiro, you can't stay."

"I know," she whispered. "But I can't go anywhere until the sun rises." She sighed softly. "I don't want to ever go."

"And I don't want you to go either."

She looked up at him and saw a tear slide down his cheek. It occurred to her for the first time that he might have bittersweet memories too.