(Morning after)

Chihiro yawned and sat up. It was the morning time and all of the bathhouse was asleep. The sunlight was dancing off of the walls of the paper screens.

Curious to explore the bathhouse again, she could not pass down this golden opportunity. Chihiro quietly got up and went to the closet to find something to wear. In the closet there were so horrible ugly salmon colored uniforms and a few others things to wear. Chihiro chose a lilac color uniform to wear, and found a light green strip of fabric to use as a belt. Once dressed and ready to go, she silently rolled up her mat, and crept out of the room, careful not to step on anyone's toes.

Once out of the room Chihiro raced down the stairs to the gardens.

She loved the gardens here. They were so peaceful and had great beauty. Chihiro ran her fingers through the grass and lay back on the ground and looked up at the sky. She really could not believe she was here. After all those years of trying she was finally back.

Chihiro got up again and began walking through the gardens. She smelled each individual flower. Taking the sweet smells, her favorite flower was a lily with silver specks and gold tips. She plucked one these flowers and put in her hair.

Chihiro sighed, she didn't want to leave but she was getting hungry.

She headed back to the bathhouse, ready to raid the kitchen of rice balls. When she got back to the bathhouse, she tiptoed to the lift, and headed up to level four. Chihiro stepped out slowly, being careful not to make the floorboards creak. She made her way down to the kitchen.

Chihiro took in a deep breath, inhaling the delicious smells coming from the food. She smelled spices, sauces, pasta, and soup. Chihiro also thought there was a little pit of pork somewhere in there. Letting her nose guide her, Chihiro headed straight for the top cupboard on the left wall. Eager to eat, she climbed on top of a pile of pots and pans and carefully lowered a box of rice from the pantry. She took the box and headed back to her room, wanting to eat on the balcony area once again.

Once back in her room, Chihiro needed to eat and gather her thoughts. As she gulped down the rice, her mind wandered to the one reason she was here. Haku. When she would see him again, she didn't know. Chihiro wanted to meet him so badly, but she didn't know how to react when she did. She was upset and mad at him for not keeping his promise, but at the same time wanted to give a big hug. As the battle inside her began again she drifted off to sleep.

…...

"Chihiro, Chihiro, wake up," said Lin as she shook Chihiro awake.

"Mom… Just 15 more minutes," grumbled Chihiro as she curled up in a ball.

"Well fine, suit yourself, I only was going to wake you up because it's time for customers, AND, I think you might be able to see Haku later!" said Lin.

"What! What! I'm awake! I'm awake!"

Lin asked, "Do you think you could cover my shift for me. I've got to bring Kamiji his dinner. After that I'll be back to help you. Things work a little differently around here now. For off no one is under a name contract anymore, but we have to say here for ten years before we can leave again."

"That seems like a long time, why not like 2 or 3 years?" asked Chihiro.

"Well I guess you're forgetting that we spirits live forever, so 10 years doesn't seem like a very long time."

"How come Yubaba is alright with you guys not being under a name contract?" asked Chihiro.

"Well, she's not, but since Haku and a few other powerful spirits own part of the bathhouse, Yubaba can't do everything she wants. Anyway, just head down to level two and ask Rosai, you know newt girl, where the mops are. I'll be down to help as soon as I can," replied Lin.

…

Chihiro hurriedly got dressed and rushed down the stairs. Once there Rosai gave her a mop and she got to work. She was cleaning the offices of the owners of the bathhouses. Rosai reminded her repeatedly to be super nice and really polite and call all the owners sir, and mam.

When Chihiro got to the top floor, she took a breath before stepping out of the lift. Here goes nothing she thought, and she stepped through the office doors.

…

The room was breathtaking. It was a calm watery blue with silver specks dancing on the walls. It had a large mahogany desk, sofa, and a seating area. There was artwork on the walls, pictures of nature and wildlife. In the far corner was an open door that led to another room. Overcome curiosity, Chihiro entered the room.

It was a mini apartment. It had a tiny kitchen, bedroom, and living room.

As Chihiro entered the bedroom she was amazed. The bed was white with sky blue pillows. The kitchen was decorated with earthy tones; rocks were set on the walls and floors. In the seating area was a fire place with a mantle above it. Chihiro got closer to the mantle and saw that there was a picture of a dragon and a small girl as the center piece.

Chihiro gasped and took a step back. She knew whose room this was. It all fit, the watery, the calm serene appearance. But what gave it away was he picture on the mantle. Chihiro knew whose room this was. It was Haku's.

Just remembering her job, Chihiro scurried out of the bedroom and hurriedly picked up her mop and started washing.

While Chihiro scrubbed at the floor her mind wandered to the dragon. She remembered a small boy, she originally thought that's what Haku would like again, but now she was not so sure. Chihiro remembered his immense power and she had to remind herself to cautious while around and try not to raise his temper, for she knew what would happen if she did. Haku wasn't a little boy. He was a river spirit, a god, with loads of power. He was respected and feared. Because of his power he was basically able to do whatever he wanted whenever he wanted.

Suddenly Chihiro was aware of someone or something watching her.

Then a voice spoke out to her, "Who are and why are you here?"

Chihiro was unsure if this deep man's voice was Haku's, so she decided to play it safe and be very respectful.

"Sir, I am Chihiro, I came here as a child and I have returned. I am filling in the shift of Lin, a worker of this bathhouse. And I am merely cleaning your office and room so that you will be pleased. Please forgive me if I have offended and done you wrong. I am not familiar with the customs of your world and did not know. Please accept my apology, sir."

The man chuckled and stepped into the light.

…

The man stepped out into the light. It was a young man in his very early twenties. He was tall and muscled with tan skin with broad shoulders. He was handsome. His chiseled features drew her in. He was so handsome. His shiny, jet black, hair came down slightly past his ears. His jaw was sharped and defined giving a look of superiority. But thing that stood out about him was eyes. They were a startling emerald green. They caught the light and were speckled with gold.

Chihiro whispered, "Haku?"