In the given excerpt from "Bluesman on the Move," the author's word-choice for using the word like 'ghosts' primarily aims to develop a feeling of 'isolation and loneliness.' It assists the author in reinforcing the idea that the place is so deserted that 'even the notes of the guitar bounce back similar to ghosts.' This sets the mood for the reader and further emphasize the abandonment of the place where the old man didn't even have someone to tell his tales.
The pizza was divided into 8 slices, as a fraction that's 8/8. The children ate 3 slices, leaving 5/8 of a pizza, then mummy ate 4 slices, leaving 1/8 of a pizza left. So, in total they ate 7/8 of a pizza.
"The sensation developed into pain that grew acute. And still he endured it, holding the flames of matches clumsily to the bark that would not light readily because his own burning hands were in the way, absorbing most of the flame."
