As we got closer to the bath house, things started to seem more normal. More lights were on and more spirits were roaming freely in the streets. Memories began to flood back to me and I smiled to myself as I remembered them.

Finally we arrived at the bridge before the bath house, it was just as I remembered it, it's almost as if time has stayed still in this place, but I didn't mind. Everyone was there waiting, waving to me and cheering my name.

"Look look! It's Chihiro!"
"She's here, she's finally here!"
"Chihiro came back! I knew she would!"
"Chihiro!"

As I walked across the bridge with Haku everyone gathered around eagerly asking me questions of my time in the human world.
"Hey Chihiro! How long has it been in the human world?"
"What have you been doing there?"
"Made any new friends Chihiro?"

"Lin, Boh, Kamaji, you're all here! I've missed you all so much!" Tears started forming in my eyes again at all the familiar faces that surrounded me. Everyone had smiles on their faces and were laughing at the happy reunion and I laughed too.

"Patience everyone." Haku spoke up and everyone fell silent to look in his direction. "Chihiro has had a tiresome day and needs some rest. You can all see her in the morning when she's less tired. Lin if you please."

"Well alright mister party pooper, can't help it that we're excited since we haven't seen her in a long time. But you're right, Chihiro does need her sleep. Come on up, we'll be staying in the same room as before, hope you don't mind."

"I wouldn't have it any other way." I smiled and followed Lin through the crowd into the bath house.

***

I quietly ate a bun that Lin had made me on the edge of the balcony that overlooked the sea. I remember sitting here when I visited the first time. For some reason, the view calmed me.

"So it's only been nine years in the human world?" Lin asked amused at this thought as she cleaned up the room for the night.

"Nine years is a pretty long time in the human world you know." I smiled at her.

"Eh, that's probably true. I don't really remember much about my time in the human world, it was very short. In fact my earliest memories of there are vague, most of my time has been in the spirit world."

I guess I had given her an odd look since the next moment she said, "What? You didn't think we were once a part of the human world too?"

"No...it's not that. It's just...that thought never occurred to me before." I gave her a surprised glance.

Lin laughed. "Everyone was once part of the human world, Chihiro, it's just that we've moved on to the spirit world after our time there. Haku for example, he was the river spirit in your world. You remember of course."

"Was? Isn't he still the river spirit?"

"Well...yes and no. It's a difficult question." She paused for a moment as if to think of what to say. "He is still the river spirit, yes. But that doesn't necessarily mean that he is still the river spirit in the human world."

"Oh. I see." Still slightly confused by her explanation. "And what about you?"

"Me? You mean what spirit was I in the human world? Hmmm..." Lin took a spot next to me on the balcony and stared up at the starless night sky for a while before looking out into the sea as well. "You know, I really can't remember. It was such a long time ago and I don't think it was anything significant."

"That's not true, if you weren't significant, you wouldn't be a spirit then."

She grinned. "Perhaps you're right. Either way I can't remember a thing. Sorry Chihiro."

"It's not your fault. I can barely remember my own childhood and it's only been a few years."

"Yes...well memory is a fickle thing at times, you remember what you need at times, and other times no matter how hard you try it never comes back, not until later anyways. I've heard from Haku you've been trying every night to return to the spirit world since you left, even in your sleep! Is that true?"

"From Haku...? How much has he said about me since I've been gone?" I said surprised by the fact that he talked about me, especially since he didn't seem to be that kind.

"How much? He practically wouldn't shut up about you since you left. I would say that's unexpected of him really, but you certainly left an impression on him and perhaps something more. He's been watching over you ever since you left you know."

"Watching over me? What for...? I thought he couldn't...what do you mean by something more?" I asked defiantly as colour started to rise to my cheeks.

"Oh come on Chihiro, I know you're not blind." Lin laughed even more, "If you don't know by now, I don't know what to tell you."

I rolled my eyes at her and returned my view to the sea. "To answer your question. Yes, I have. I honestly don't know why though, I didn't think I'd actually be able to go back. I thought that perhaps in a few years, I'll just forget that experience and move on with my life, but no. It's just as Zeniba said, 'memories aren't forgotten but sometimes they are just difficult to recall'. Many times I went down there, I didn't remember why or what for, but I just felt I needed to be there. Then I began to remember again in my dreams, but I have no idea how I was able to get back here."

"Hmmm." Lin had a serious expression on her face which was rare for her. "Normally the only way for a human to enter the spirit world is if the world itself wants them to enter. Other times it's usually due to a powerful spirit wanting the human back, but there's very few that would even risk that chance."

"Spirits can call humans into this world?"

"Only the powerful ones. But that's never really happened before as far as I know. The last time you entered was because the world wanted you to enter. This time...I'm not so sure."

"Oh..." I said not sure of what else to say.

"Anyways." Lin returned to her cheerful self. "It's high time you get to bed or I'll keep you up the entire night talking. Everyone's made plans to be with you tomorrow so you'd better get some rest or you'll be tired the entire day."

Lin got up and went inside to go to sleep as well, but stopped just before entering the room.

"Hey Chihiro."

"Yes Lin?" I turned to face her.

"Welcome back."

"Thanks." I nodded slightly and smiled.