CHAPTER VII

-the tunnel-

Chihiro looked through the window while the bus crossed the town. As they moved further away from the center, the buildings became sparse, there was more vegetation. The crimson sunlight reflected on the glasses of windows, the scenery was beautiful, but all she could think of was the time she would get off and see that place with her own eyes. She wanted to make sure, that it was real.

"Don't be so tense..." he said behind her ear.

Chihiro almost jumped up and shot him an electrifying look.

"How? It's not a simple trip out of town..." she muttered.

They had already gotten out of town. The bus joined up in the fork and made a stop next to an old candy shop. Chihiro knew the way well, because she attended the elementary school just some squares ahead. But this time, she grabbed Kohaku's hand and started walking back towards the fork. The sun had started to set. After walking quite a while, they reached the top of the road leading back to town. Chihiro looked around and soon spotted some vegetation on the right side.

"That's it..." she whispered.

Kohaku went first, looking through the trees. There was a small path, which Chihiro remembered to be a lot wider. It was barely noticeable between the trees. They looked at each other and started walking. The sun was still on the sky when they reached the end.

It was all just like her memories. The tall wall, the green surrounding, even the creepy-looking stone statue. She placed her palm on the plastered wall, with the color of a faded red. The other side of the tunnel was calling for her. She could feel the breeze on her ankles, pushing her to step inside. She was stunned by this feeling, and stayed there until she felt Kohaku's hand on her shoulder.

"So, this is how it began. We'll find out soon, Chihiro. Let's go..." he said and offered his hand. They started walking inside, and little by little the sounds from the other world became distant, and the only thing they could hear was the sound of their steps and breathing. Once they went out into the light, Chihiro looked at Kohaku, trying to find a change in his expression. He shook his head and patted her back.

It was the old train station. The light sneaked inside through the windows, it all had a touch of nostalgia. Kohaku was still holding her hand as he went outside. Chihiro couldn't help but leave a small sound of amazement at the scenery. It was as beautiful as before, green grass everywhere and the crystal clear sky. Nothing had changed. The semi-ruined buildings and the scattered stone statues. Her father had said that the place was once a theme park, abandoned due to the economy.

"It does feel like a different world" said Kohaku.

"Yes...it does. Come on, I can't wait..." she said and went forward.

They crossed the shallow brook and went up to the passage between the buildings. They were all shops, mostly restaurants, painted with vivid colors until time faded them away. Silence. The sun had almost fallen behind the horizon, its last rays were weak and they soon disappeared.

Chihiro stood on the bridge heading to the Bath House. The bridge which was once swarming with spirits, coming and going. She turned around and smiled.

"Kohaku, this is where I first met you. You told me to go away before the darkness falls but I couldn't...Soon, the lights will be turned on, I'm sure you'll remember. Just a little more..."

She stayed there, looking around for any signs, it got darker minute by minute, but not even one spirit was around. The lights wouldn't fire up.