Then the jolly ghost vanished, and a cold, dark creature in a black hood came toward Scrooge.
Unlike the other ghosts, this one was not friendly.
In fact, he had the look of death.
"You must be the Ghost of Christmas Future," inquired Scrooge.
But the ghost said nothing.
Pointing his bony finger, the ghost led Scrooge to a group of businessmen.
"I heard he died last night," said one man.
"I wonder who will get his money?" joked another man.
"He hasn't left it to me.
That's all I know," said the first man, and he walked off.
"Why are you showing me this?" asked Scrooge.
But still the black ghost said nothing.
Then they went to a group of servants.
"Since he's dead, he doesn't need this.
Quick, let's each take something," declared one maid.
"He doesn't have any friends to claim his things," she continued.
"We worked in his miserable house, so we earned it," said another.
Scrooge watched in disgust as the servants divided silver spoons and other expensive things among themselves.
Scrooge turned to the ghost saying, "I see! This could be me, if I do not change."
The Ghost of Christmas Future took Scrooge to Bob Cratchit's house.
This time there was less joy there.
"Did you visit Tiny Tim today, Father?" asked one of the children sadly.
"Yes, and I brought some flowers for his grave," he replied.
"It is beautiful there," said Bob with a tear.
For the first time ever, Scrooge felt true sorrow in his heart.
"Poor Bob," he thought. "He did love that boy."
Then leaving that scene, Scrooge and the ghost traveled to a dreary graveyard.
The spirit brought him to a grave where a coffin was being placed.
There was no one there except a workman.
Before Scrooge would look at the name on the new gravestone, he asked the ghost,
"Spirit, tell me this, are these the things that will be or the things that might be?"
The ghost made no response.
Scrooge continued, "But if a man changes, then surely his future changes, right?
If not, why would you visit me?"
The ghost pointed to the grave.
There on the gravestone was his name, Ebenezer Scrooge.
With a loud cry, Scrooge declared, "This is not I.
I am not this lonely man. No!
I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
I will live in the past, the present, and the future.
I will love others and help the poor.
Please, give me another chance," pleaded Scrooge.
At that, the dark ghost faded away in a puff of smoke.
Scrooge found himself back in his bedroom. It was a bright, crisp morning.
He was alive, and a completely new man.
He opened his window and shouted to a boy walking along the street, "My good boy, what day is it today?"
"Why, it is Christmas," replied the puzzled boy.
"Excellent!" shouted Scrooge. "I haven't missed it.
My good boy, do you know the shop that has the very big turkey in its window?" asked Scrooge.
"Of course," responded the boy.
"An intelligent boy! Go and buy it, and bring it here," said Scrooge.
"Come back in less than five minutes, and I'll give you half a crown!"
The boy was off like a shot.
"I'll send it to Bob Cratchit's!" laughed Scrooge.
"He won't know who sent it. It's twice the size of Tiny Tim."
Then Scrooge dressed himself in his best clothes and went to visit his nephew.
Before he could change his mind, he ran up and knocked on the door.
"Uncle Scrooge?" said his nephew with great surprise.
"If you are willing to have me, I'd like to dine with you tonight," said Scrooge.
Scrooge's nephew almost shook his hand off because he was so pleased.
Never did Scrooge have so much fun as he did that day.
He ate and talked like he had never done before.
After that Christmas Day, Scrooge became a different man.
To Bob Cratchit, he became a wonderful employer.
Bob's family suffered no more, and Scrooge provided money to help Tiny Tim, who did not die.
In the city, he became known for his kindness and friendship.
He put his money toward work to help the poor and suffering.
He never saw the ghosts again.
From that day on, it was always said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well.
May that be said of all of us! And as Tiny Tim said, "God bless everyone."