When the Ghost had reached him, Lovino fell backwards and looked up at him. He, or at least Lovino assumed it was a he, he had a very feminine figure, was covered in white clothing. Only one hand could be seen. It didn't speak or move and the sight of it filled Lovino with dread.
"Are you the Ghost of Christmas Future?" Lovino asked.
The Ghost didn't answer, but pointed into the distance.
"You're going to show me the bad things that haven't happened yet?" Lovino asked.
The Ghost seemed to bow slightly, but that was its only answer. Lovino feared this silent shape so much that his legs began to tremble. Behind that shroud he knew there were ghostly eyes fixed upon him.
"Ghost of Christmas Future!" Lovino said, "I'm more scared of you than the other ghosts... Although the first one was pretty terrifying in his own way. But I know you're here to do me good. Can you speak to me?" He dared not call the Ghost a bastard; it gave off an air of respect.
The Ghost didn't reply to Lovino's question, but pointed its hand onwards and moved ahead.
"Lead the way," Lovino muttered. "May as well."
The Ghost didn't stop so Lovino followed it in the shadow of its long robe. They entered the city and came to the street where Lovino worked. Big shot bankers stood talking, turning change over in their pockets and looking at their wristwatches. The Ghost pointed to the men and Lovino went closer to listen to what they were saying.
"I don't know much about it," said a tall man whose face was half covered with a white mask. "I only know that he's dead."
"When did he die?" another man with dark skin asked.
"What's the matter with him?" a third man who was leaning against a building half-asleep said. "I thought he'd never die."
"God only knows," the first man said, giving an enormous yawn. "Now your making me sleepy."
"What's he done with his money?" the third man asked.
"I haven't heard yet," the first man replied. "He hasn't left it to me. That's all I know."
Everybody chuckled, except the third man who didn't seem to be all that happy with the first man. "It'll be a cheap funeral," he said, "because I don't know anybody who'll be going to it. I suppose we ought to volunteer."
"I don't mind going if lunch is provided," the first man replied. "I love good food."
"Who are they talking about?" Lovino asked.
In reply, the Ghost glided into another street where the first two men were walking a talking.
"I think I know these men. They're very rich and important, I don't like them, but perhaps they'll have an answer."
"Well that was boring." The first man said. "Heracles almost fell asleep. At least he's going home. That man got what he deserved, eh?"
"So I'm told," the second man replied, "Its cold, isn't it?"
"Just right for Christmas," the first man said, "Do you skate?"
Lovino was surprised. "Why does the Ghost think this conversation is important?" he asked himself. "It's not answered my question. Where am I? Why aren't I there?" He looked around him.
The Ghost still stood beside him, quiet and dark, it's hand outstretched. Lovino felt the Ghost's eyes staring at him,
Suddenly, he shuddered and felt very cold.