The narrator reflects on his twenty-eight years of life without having encountered a ghost, showcasing his skepticism toward the supernatural. His statement reveals a sense of curiosity and perhaps a touch of disappointment in never having experienced something as mysterious as a ghost. The idea conveys a longing for the extraordinary within the mundane routine of life.

In contrast, the old woman beside him is deeply engrossed in the fire, her wide-open eyes suggesting she is lost in thought or perhaps recollecting something significant. Her intense focus hints at a wealth of experiences and stories, possibly including encounters with the supernatural, positioning her as a contrast to the narrator's youthful disbelief.