Wow, this excerpt from this book is amazing! It really intrigues me to know what happens next! The 'connection' you speak of is the best part; as many people don't need to know someone is there by seeing them, but rather by 'feeling' them. I think this same connection is what people sense with ghosts of the past, rather than living people and this is what really draws me into your reading; as it is very thought-provoking, rather than a lot of readers who are dry and unstimulating!
Fantastic job on this part of the book, I can't wait to read the rest!