Fuck. He should have known better. But he could never quite bring himself to close up entirely--not after the wall. Not and lose the comfort it gave him to at least feel that Pell was there. He selfishly clung to that more often than he probably should have. It was probably unfair but it was a relief, too. Balancing it was difficult.

He looked up at the voice, terrified, but didn't move. If he was hidden he would keep it that way as long as possible. Even if his voice was weak and shook when he tried to answer.

"Go away, Pell. You'll only get hurt."

And if course that damn ghost couldn't resist.

"No, let him inside. I'd like to meet him."

...fuck.