Tom's brain is muddled by everything that has happened,
But suddenly he notices the clear, delicate 'ting'
of a fine carriage clock striking the hour.
In fact it strikes several times,
But surely it was midnight some time back?
It should be striking one or two now.
Tom looks up to check what the hands say
and sees another apparition shimmering in the gloom.
 |
| Mitchell HG25 - The Spirit of Christmas Present |
This time it's his wife berating him
for not helping with the Christmas chores.
Tom feels new guilt added to his shame
and embarassment at being caught.
His wife berates him regularly at home,
but seeing her in front of him now,
right after the vision of his dead father,
Does it mean something terrible has happened?
She's laden down with shopping,
Just driven back from the supermarket,
Or just about to drive back
and there's no sign of the little boy.
Tom is engulfed by a terrible, burning dread.
to be continued
Read this series from Part 1