Lionel has seen the ghostly figure of Mr. Qualls every day since he arrived at Peckenpaugh, yet his appearance here -- now -- knocks Lionel back onto his heels. Looking at his teacher, he wonders when his expression is from. Is it the memory of a man setting this barrier or a spirit aware that he's now opening it?

Lionel, who had not taken his place at the Thorntrail side in order to help open the hatch, now nods at Trudy, then the others. He's in. He's coming.