When evening came, Scrooge had one last task left he was stressing over. Just the thought that his nephew, his late Fan's only son, scorned him and laughed at him with his friends was hurting him. But he deserved it, in view of how he had openly disapproved of his marriage and given the number of times he had refused to socialize with him notably to ome to his Christmas feasts... well this time around, he would come. But would he want him? All sheepish, he rang the bell. Fred himself opened, and was well surprised to see his uncle. More surprised yet constating he wasn't wearing his usual cold and grumpy look, but a shy, nearly sad air. Scrooge asked in a quiet voice and with an embarrassed smile if the invitation still stood. Fred remained for a moment astounded and taken aback, but ended up smiling, stirred, and told him yes, of course. He welcomed him with open arms, introduced him to his wife and their friends, the old man got along with everyone and could make up a little for lost time and spent a nice Christmas dinner

A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge, Fred and Fred's wife © Charles Dickens
Drawing © me