Just as in our own lives, the future arrives long before we are prepared for it. It often sneaks up on us, catching us unaware.

The Ghost of Christmas Past appeared right on cue, but the next visitor is nowhere to be seen. Time ticks by. Still nothing... only a faint, ruddy glow flickering from the next room, teasing the edges of Scrooge’s anticipation. Curious and just a bit impatient, Scrooge slides into his slippers and softly shuffles toward the door. What (or who) awaits him this time? The adventure is far from over—let’s step through that door together.

Dickens describes the ghost in detail including the jet of light that sprung from the crown of its head that was the only light in the room. This light could not be hidden, and when Scrooge tries to smother it, Dickens tells us he does so out of distress—showing how much he wants to shut out the truth.