Spirited Away

Chihiro looks up at the building they just left and sees a large clock on top of it. The wind whirs around her, and shivering, she runs after Mother, asking, “Did you hear that building? It was moaning” (49). Mother believes it is just the wind and remarks on the landscape’s beauty. They come to a large rock bed that appears to be a dried-up stream, and Father smells something delicious wafting down the steps on the other side. He and Mother are suddenly starving and follow the scent. Along the way toward what appears to be a lively street, there are several statues of frogs. The buildings are all oddly shaped and colorful; one has a large eye for a sign, implying that the family is being watched. Mother comments on how strange it is that all of the buildings seem to be restaurants but follows Father to a large buffet of food regardless.

The platters are stocked with the most inviting dishes, including some that Chihiro’s parents cannot even identify, and Mother and Father cannot resist. They begin calling to see if anyone is working, but nobody replies, and Mother assures Father they can pay later.