While it is never explicitly said by the author, the house and its mysterious darkness symbolize death, as Dearly says that whatever is in the house can help make the Runt a ghost. The house’s association with death is strengthened by imagery; it is “darker than anything” and smells rotten. The house also alludes to classic ghost story haunted houses and instills unease and fear in the Runt. Since the story reveals that the Runt’s family is more threatening than ghosts, the house also represents the fear and anguish the Runt feels in his broken home.

When the Runt first arrived in town, he “walked around it, becoming increasingly certain as he walked that nothing could make him go inside” (36). This shows how at the start of the story, the Runt still dreams of a better life, meaning he would not think of entering a house that would make him a ghostly companion to Dearly. As the story continues, he becomes increasingly disheartened by the thought of returning to his family, and he views the house as an escape, finally entering it in hopes of having many more perfect days with his new friend.