A beat, and then a gentle GLOW begins to emanate from the
crack in the bed-curtains.
Soft SOUNDS begin, as well. Shuffling, blowing, swishing,
lowing. Nervous, Scrooge reaches for the curtains. Smells
assault his senses, stopping him.
A CRY, part newborn baby, part enraged animal, rings through
the apartment and Scrooge jumps back into his bed.
GENTLE VOICE
(OVER)
Ebenezer Scrooge. Come to me now.
Meek, Scrooge draws the bed-curtains and steps out.
INT. HEARTHSIDE. NIGHT.
His furniture is gone, replaced with a tableau part barnyard
stable, part festive cornucopia. Cow, sheep, and mule chew
their cud. Baked meats, glistening fruits, and frosted sweets
cascade around them. Holly branches and evergreen wreaths
festoon the corners.
Sitting amidst it all in simple dress is a serene woman, the
Ghost of Christmas PRESENT.
PRESENT
Come in and see me better.
Present arises, adjusting a slung bundle closer to her bosom.
Scrooge sees a brief peek of a beautiful, sleeping infant
before Present tucks the sling closed.
The church bells (OVER) chime one o’clock. Again.
PRESENT (CONT’D)
I am the Spirit of Christmas
Present. Will you know me?
Scrooge nods and stumbles forward.
The cow THWACKS her tail in his face.
The sheep BAAS at him.
When he looks down he sees the mule CHEWING on his hem.
SCROOGE
What is going on in here!
Present pours him a glass of wine.