Aera opened a cupboard and took out two photo albums while the Grimm Reaper watched her from the distance. She smiled, sat down on the sofa and she started to flip the pages, stopping from time to time as the pictures brought back so many memories.

The dog came next to her and put his head on her lap as if he could understand her. Maybe he did it in his way. The cat, though, was too occupied to play with the curtains. At least to try to play as she couldn't touch it. She was a ghost after all. Well, Aera was a ghost, too, but due to the time she spent at the hotel, she was able to interfere with the living world. Briefly, though.

The Grimm Reaper joined Aera on the sofa. At first, he tried not to look at the photos as he didn't want to trespass on Aera's intimacy, but soon curiosity made him change his mind. He pipped a bit, then he let his eyes linger longer on the pictures.

Aera seemed to have been a very cheerful child. She had lots of photos smiling and dancing around, dressed in clourful dresses. Surrounded by her toys or by lots of flowers and pets. She was so beautiful and so full of life.

"This was one of my first kittens." She started as she noticed the Grimm Reaper pipping at her pictures. "It was a ginger cat. I don't remember it, though. When I was seven I had an Egyptian cat. It was so affectionate. Then, two ginger boys. Later, came a white and black baby and two dark ones. They were spectacular and so full of life. Just like the white one. It's good she can't break the curtains. Mum would have been very furious if she could."

"You seemed very happy. What happened, Aera?"

"I grew up. Things got complicated. I guess." None said a thing for a while. "Have you ever been abroad?"

"I have enough work here, I don't feel like doing the job of another Grimm Reaper."

"No, I mean on vacation. To visit places."

"People don't take vacations from dying, Aera."

"Can't you ask another Grimm Reaper to replace you for a week?"

"Where do you want to go?"

"It doesn't matter. I'll take the first plan and fly no matter where."

"What about Chan-sung?"

"I'm sick of him blaming me for every of his misfortune. I doubt he's going to miss me. And if he does, then he may learn to appreciate me and my help. Do you come with me?"

"I can't. It will be chaos if I go. Plus the hotel will get overcrowded."

"And? Chan-sung has never appreciated our work. Let him see what it's like without us. Let's make him miss us."

"It's not fair for the ghosts. They deserve the best."

"I spent years on the street and nobody paid attention to me. They will be fine. As soon as we have returned, I offer them some extra facilities at the hotel to compensate."

"Aera."

"Fine. I'll take Marzipan and the cat with me. Be a good worker and see if someone will thank you for your effort."

"Aera, you can't run away every time you feel that life is overwhelming you. Come back, will you?"

"Of course. It's just a vacation."

"Then, enjoy your vacation."

"Thanks. Come, Marzipan." She called the dog who, as if he would have understood their conversation, was waiting for her command, and, as they were ready to go, Aera grabbed the cat in her arms (compared to the dog she wasn't very happy to go). Bye, Grimm Reaper. We won't be gone for long. By the way, what do you say about Snowflake? The name for the cat." She clarified.

"I think it fits her."

"Then, bye. See you soon."

However, despite the promise she'd made, Aera wouldn't be back for a very long time. Neither she nor her two furry companions. She took the first plane she could find (well, the first she could get to as a certain white-furred friend delayed her). Being a ghost helped as she neither had to pay for a ticket not to wait in line for all those security checks.

Marzipan was a good boy and kept following her even if he was tempted at a certain time to run after a coquet white dog he'd met at the airport. As they travelled by taxi, he'd laid at her foot all the time. From time to time, he searched for her glance, but a few gentle pats on his head were enough to encourage him. Snowflake, though… She hated the taxi. Despite the fact they had to share the space with a very arrogant lady (Aera decided to possess her as she couldn't stand her any longer), Snowflake kept jumping around, clearly unhappy to be locked in a car. Then, at the airport, she ran away, and Aera had to spend hours looking for her. And as it wasn't enough, the white creature possessed a fat gay cat and she refused to leave the body. Aera couldn't blame her for yearning for a living body even if it looked nothing like she used to. A part of Aera wanted to allow Snowflake to stay there, but her heart, even if it hadn't beaten in years, hurt at the thought she would have to leave Snowflake behind. Snowflake didn't want to be left behind either, so, eventually, she left the body and followed Aera and Marzipan.

It was a busy day for Chan-sung at the hotel as he helped the staff to organize a party for the guests. He had the slightest idea where the suggestion came from or why on Earth the ghosts wanted a party, but he'd given his word.

He was bored, tired and frustrated as he returned to his room after the party had finally finished. An entire week of plans, work and hopes for just a few hours. There was nothing left from those moments. Nothing but a few more flowers in the garden. Since he'd become the new CEO, the garden started to look lovely again. He might have been mean to Aera, but his attitude towards his guests had never changed. Though, not a single leaf had appeared in the tree. It was as alone and empty as yesterday.

Almost a year had passed and he hadn't found a way out. He had the slightest idea if Man-woel had already reincarnated or if she was still on the other side. He hoped Ma Go would be merciful and give him more time to leave this world before sending Man-woel back. Another part of him, though, wanted to see her again. Even if he knew it wouldn't end well.

"She couldn't be older than a todder." He thought. He tried to ask Ma Go about Man-woel, but the goddess refused to tell him if Man-woel was back or not.

"You should get out from time to time if you hope to meet her someday." The goddess had answered him. "When was the last time you left the hotel?" She insisted.

He'd tried his luck with the Grimm Reaper, but he either didn't know or he wasn't willing to share whatever he'd found out with him. So, he didn't say much no matter how badly Chan-sung insisted.

"Man woel, doesn't it?" He turned instantly as he heard an unfamiliar voice in order to find where it came from. A charming blonde woman stood just a few meters away from him, smiling. "You won't find her here…in your room, you know that, don't you?" She uttered as she sat down on the dark sofa next to his office.

None said a thing. She turned her attention towards her dress for a few moments as if she wanted to give him some time to put his thought in order.

"Who are you?" Her violet eyes stopped on his as she heard the question. She had amazing eyes.

"A friend. I came to warn you Aera is in danger."

"Why should I care?"

"Because without her you won't be able to find Man Woel. Plus, there is someone who cares more than you realize. He might want to know where he could find her."