***Content warning: death, graphic depictions of violence, strong language, suicidal thoughts.***
When Clarence Pierce is framed for his own murder at sixteen years old, he finds himself stuck on Earth as a ghost. He haunts his family's house, his school, and most importantly, the creep that killed him. But he doesn't want violent revenge. Actually, he doesn't know how he wants to interact with his killer at all. In fact, there's a lot he doesn't know now that he's dead. He doesn't know how he should treat his classmates, why he was murdered, how a ghost should act, or even why he's stuck here as a spirit. All alone in this new experience, Clarence is left with no options but to just figure it out.
A year later, Clarence still isn't any closer to finding the answers he so desperately wants. The only knowledge he has gained relates to how to be an effective ghost, including timeless pranks and mischievous hauntings. Even though he might be stuck here forever, at least he can walk through walls, right?
When a new family moves into the house his parents vacated, he finally has a chance at figuring it all out, especially as some of his new housemates can communicate with the dead. Clarence and his newfound family navigate the challenges of being alive, of being dead, and everything in between as they discover what comes after life.
The brush of an arm, the tap of a hand, any skin to skin contact and Dakota Grinn is plagued with the horror of that person's death. He sees the Number, the date they'll die, and feels the pain they encounter when they do. Skin melting, knife twisting, bones cracking; Dakota feels it. And he's sick of it.
Abandoned by his parent's because of his "gift", Dakota hops around foster home to foster home. The beginning of his 8 days start at a new foster home with a kind, understanding foster mom with a too low Number. As the 8 days pass, Dakota meets Andy, an adorable, sweet guy that insists on being his friend. Normally secluding himself from people, Dakota feels drawn to Andy. Is it the fact that his cute face takes his breath away? Is it because his light, gentle voice calms Dakota instantly? Or is it how whenever he feels Andy's Number, Dakota is filled with warmth and love and the feeling of having lived a long, happy life? And the strangest thing; Dakota sees himself right there with him, holding Andy lovingly in his arms.
Even with the single source of warmth, Dakota is still left with the fear and pain of others' deaths. But only 8 days. He only needs to last 8 more days. Then Dakota ends it all. Or will Andy be able to save him in time?