The implication of this particular tale is: Trust strangers. Believe in magic. - Michael Cunningham

But magic is sometimes all about knowing where the secret door is, and how to open it. With that, you’re gone

A stray fact: insects are not drawn to candle flames, they are drawn to the light on the far side of the flame, they go into the flame and sizzle to nothingness because they're so eager to get to the light on the other side.

. . . he felt himself entering a moment so real he could only run toward it, shouting.