Chapter 2: I'll protect your home

I stroll through the vegetation on my habitual track, searching for anything that might litter the ground. The image of the polluted ocean spirit I'd helped clean up in the spirit world still haunts me. I'd die before letting his river, his home, my solace, get destroyed and desecrated in the same way. The amount of junk and abandoned things I've cleaned up over the years could fill a small football field. The strangest things would end up in the water's depths, anything from bicycles to shoes or glasses. Now and then I find small treasures that wouldn't mean much to anyone beside myself, a few spare coins, cheesy jewelry, or a funny coffee mug that's too spot on. Mostly though, it's just regular junk discarded by someone who didn't even have the decency to throw it away. Their presence and leftovers like a destructive footprint on my precious sanctuary.

His river is somewhat secluded and though I spend most of my time cleaning, it could be much worse. To some this chore might seem like a heavy responsibility, for me it's more like a calming routine.

I search the shore and riverbed as I stroll along, always ready to dive in if something needs to be retrieved. While making my way through the vegetation I stumble now and then on rocks and protruding roots, just as clumsy as I've always been. When the warm sunrays reach above the treetops I head towards my favorite spot. It's a little secluded groove that I've cultivated, fresh flowers adorn the edges, and the river lies just a few steps away. I settle down on a blanket and stretch out below the sun, feeling it's warmth flow through me. I rummage through the bag and snag a towel, some ecofriendly soap and a water bottle. I remove my sweater and tug off the tight denim jeans, discarding all my garments until I'm down to my black underwear. It's been many years since I stopped worrying about my nakedness and the insecurities that came with it. The thought that I'm not beautiful enough, that he might reject my womanly form. But that shyness disappeared as soon as I realized how silly I was. No matter what form I wear or who I become, it'll be impossible to know what he thinks unless he can form words in the waves.

I clean my sweaty and dirty feet slowly and methodically, running up along my legs and all the way to my neck, ridding myself from all the muck accumulated during the day. I rise and stroll through the grass, wading out into the cool water, enjoying its soft caress.

"You told me that we'd meet again someday… but as time keeps passing that dream feels like an impossibility…" I wander slowly back and forth carefully along the slippery rocks "I was naïve back then, probably still am, I believed in what you said… maybe it was meant as encouragement, giving me the strength and resolve I needed to return to my world… still, I keep coming back, asking the same question… when will you come and get me, Haku?.."

I wade deeper into the water until it reaches my waist, the coolness soothing and relaxing. My hands submerge and I run them calmy back and forth, feeling the silky flow trickling through my fingers. Whenever we touch, I perceive his presence in the gentle waves, like a tender embrace.

I dive in headfirst and allow the water to swallow me completely, then find a heavy rock that can anchor me to the riverbed. Bubbles that escape my breath rise slowly towards the surface, I watch them, and the beautiful but blurry surroundings. Admiring the multitude of life that swim by, the green plants, the stones and sand.

If it was possible to become a fish, I might, just to stay within his grasp forever. Feeling it envelop me, keeping me safe from the bitter world outside. Down here it's like a whole new realm, peaceful and serene. Up there it's cruel, merciless, and dark.

To soon my lungs begin to tremble in their desperation for air, I breach the surface and inhale deeply, then dive in yet again. Time and again I submerge, until my breath feels ragged and heavy, until my eyes turn red and my skin crease.

When the sun slowly descends from the sky I return to my apartment, to something that can never really feel like home.

Please leave a review on your opinion of the story, it's helpful and encouraging. Hope you enjoy the story and where it'll lead. Most of us hope that they'll reunite quickly. I think that the movie meant for Chihiro to leave that world behind and continue on with her life, but I change this scenario to one where shell never be able to return to a normal life. Hopefully they will reunite in the end.