he walked around the fire , reaching into a barley sack filled with food to hand to each boy . i came around the table and took a seat . i stepped outside with him , into a spring morning soft with promise . in the moonlight , i saw him gesture around us . `` do you want to try to talk to him , the -- the ghost ? cold is all he 'd ever feel again without his own female - `` excuse me , '' holly said from the doorway . 