The boy's presence was pervasive and powerful. His being seemed to transcend a physical existence and though he was not alive throughout the story, the interactions created through him allowed Ona, Belle, and Quinn to relate in a way not possible without him. I do agree that not giving him a name allowed the reader to connect on a pure and deeper level. A name would have brought in past memories related to a name. I did love the way the author had Ona answer the questions so that you knew what the boy was asking-almost like you could hear him. As a special education teacher I have worked with students that have characteristics like this boy-unique,special, and a one-of-a-kind child -a beautiful soul.