Under the Whispering Door

“It wasn’t like the office, a place more familiar than even his own home, stinking of cleaning fluids and artificial air, all steel and without whimsy, and though he hated that stench, he was used to it. […] It was what he knew. It was all he knew, he realized with dismay.”

Wallace’s comparison of the tea shop and his office highlights just how much his surroundings are going to change in death. He is leaving a sterile, professional, unfeeling environment for a cozy, whimsical, and welcoming shop. This quote details how Wallace’s opinion of his luxurious life is already starting to shift: He recognizes that he did not feel at home in his life, merely safe. This foreshadows Wallace’s growth during his time at the tea shop.

“‘[T]his has been an awful inconvenience. I have clients. I have a brief due by the end of the week that can’t be delayed!’ He groaned, mind racing. ‘[…] Do you know who I am? Because if you do, then you know I don’t have time for this. I have responsibilities, yes, extremely important responsibilities that can’t be ignored.’”

This quote illustrates Wallace’s priorities, which seem ridiculous when put into the perspective of his recent death. Nelson follows this outburst by confirming that Wallace Price wants to be alive so he can work, not because of friends, family, or any other personal connections, emphasizing that Wallace lived solely for his job. This quote also shows how Wallace views himself as someone who is “extremely important” compared to Nelson and Mei, even though he has no idea where he is or what is happening to him.

“‘Your expectations changed. You should have unexpected it.’ He tapped the side of his head. ‘It’s all about your mind and how you focus it.’”

Nelson often delivers somewhat nonsensical words of wisdom. He helps Wallace adjust to being a ghost, but he refuses to do so in a professional, straightforward manner, which irritates Wallace until he grows to appreciate it.