One night after returning home from work, he is shot by one of his former patients, Vincent, whom he had treated as delusional. After surviving the incident, a year later Crowe starts working with Cole Sear, a 9-year-old patient with similar conditions as Vincent, however, Cole reveals to him that he can see dead people. While skeptical at first, Malcolm eventually believes him and convinces him to use his ability to help the ghosts that he sees. While working together, Cole helps Malcolm get over his guilt from his case with Vincent and also mend his relationship with his wife in a shocking twist.