Chapter 17

"Are these the shadows of the things that will be, or are they shadows of things that may be, only?"

-Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Several months passed rapidly for Elizabeth. They went from Singapore to Malaysia, from Malaysia to Australia, from Australia to India and from India to Thailand. Dresle was very helpful there to her companions, warning them not to wear their shoes when they visited a temple. "Passepartout did it and he was arrested," she told them wisely. Elizabeth was glad to see the other Vellorians begin to treat her less like a child. The Vellorians, she noticed, had begun to gain weight. They were painfully thin when they first exited their ship, but now the men became stronger and the woman gained curves and plumpness.

Then they travelled to Nepal, Russia, and Greece. It was then that they were transferred to the authority of the European Union. Their conditions did not change, but they had a new liaison and were given a whole new wardrobe. Dresle had since finished reading Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (one of Elizabeth's childhood favourites), and was now attempting to read The Aeneid, about the founding of Greece. Dresle thought Dido's reaction to Aeneas' leaving was ridiculous, and openly laughed about it (despite Elizabeth's shock – "It's one of the most tragic love stories in our world!"). But soon she became too confused amid the scores of names and the many Greek gods and goddesses, and gave up. It was then that, to Elizabeth's surprise, Christoph approached her and asked her recommendation for something that he could read – something that would encompass all human literary history and thought. After thinking for a long time (and texting Will about it), she told him to read Bartlett's Quotations. "It's a collection of the best literary quotes in history, chosen by the readers themselves." Christoph found it on his library and seemed to greatly enjoy it. Dresle preferred the stories, and so Elizabeth couldn't resist introducing her to Sherlock Holmes. Dresle at first did not understand the purpose of the stories (a consulting detective being nothing she had ever heard of), but soon became fascinated by them, and read every single one she could find. Some stories, such as The Yellow Face, thoroughly perplexed her; she could not understand the modern concept of racism as based on colour of the skin; but Tom Sawyer had given her a slight taste of it before. And to Elizabeth's intense surprise, Laufa picked up the stories and seemed fascinated with them.

From Greece they began the tour of Europe, which Elizabeth enjoyed the most of anywhere else they'd gone. The history and ancient architecture charmed her, and she took hundreds of pictures. Arjen was always happy to take pictures of Elizabeth and Dresle in front of monuments or landmarks. Michelangelo Buonarrati was Elizabeth's favourite artist, and for the first time she got to see The Sistene Chapel, the Medici's tomb, Day and Night, and Dawn and Dusk, then the David (which had lost a leg during the riots of the Pandamic) and, Elizabeth's favourite, the Pietá. All of these works had religious meaning that needed to be explained, which Elizabeth did rather unwillingly, especially since Dresle kept asking her if she believed in such things, and what she believed and why.

"It's a rather private matter," said Elizabeth tersely.

"Is it?" asked Dresle, surprised. "It did not seem to be for the Hindus and Muslims in India or the Catholics here."

"For some people it's very private," replied Elizabeth, who did not want to discuss it.

In Rome for the first time Dresle was able to attend a musical concert. It took place in the ruins of the Coliseum, and featured a world famous tenor and an Italian soprano, as well as a choir and full orchestra. Darius and Arjen also attended, and they had a special box set aside for them (with extra guards). The sound quality was incredible, Elizabeth thought, and the beauty of the music brought her to tears several times. Dresle had the opportunity to attend many events, and so did the other Vellorians, as they continued travelling across Europe, to Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. By the time they reached Denmark it was Christmas time and there was snow all over the city of Copenhagen.

As they landed, the whole landscape was covered in a white blanket of snow.

"What is that on the ground?" asked Esma as they got closer.

"It's snow," replied her translator in surprise. "You mean you don't have snow on Vellorum?"

"No," said Esma. "Where does it come from?"

"The sky. Sort of like rain, except frozen."

When they exited the airplane it was not snowing, but the Vellorians all reached down to touch the snow, and even taste it. They had had a similar reaction to rain, except that Laufa had explained that they had been able to produce rain in their laboratories on Vellorum. It was evening, so they went to their hotel, but the next morning when they went out to see the city it was very cold – sub-zero temperatures. The Vellorians did not seem bothered by it, but Elizabeth, with a large faux-fur coat, was freezing, and asked permission to stay in a little café while the others continued the tour. She ordered a cup of piping hot cocoa, and her breath fogged up the window as she looked out.

Christmas decorations were hanging everywhere – signs reading "Holiday Sale" were in the shop windows, and there were Christmas lights around the windows, lighting up the shops. It was only then that she realized it was Christmas Eve. She looked down at her phone and wrote a text to Will, telling him they'd be in London before the New Year, and what did he want for Christmas?

Then she started looking at her handheld, where she had written down all the vocabulary that Dresle had taught her of her language. She practiced speaking it with Dresle at night when they were alone in the suite. Elizabeth felt she was progressing well with the language, although Dresle still refused to teach her the script. Elizabeth therefore had been attempting to decode the captain's log with the computer, but had no luck. She also had her notebook where she wrote out her best attempts. In exchange for this knowledge, she had been recommending books for Dresle to read. So far Dresle had read Around the World in Eighty Days, Tom Sawyer, part of The Aeneid, Treasure Island, Sherlock Holmes, Robinson Crusoe, The Call of the Wild, Heidi, The Three Musketeers, All Quiet on the Western Front, How Green Was My Valley, and, most recently, The Red Badge of Courage. Dresle had also shown a great liking for poetry, and Elizabeth had found a good compilation for her, including, of course, some of her own favourites, like Tennyson and Christina Rossetti.

Elizabeth realized suddenly that it would be the perfect time to introduce Dresle to Dickens finally. Her English had improved rapidly, and her reading level was much higher (although maybe not yet to the level of Shakespeare). When she met the group later to go back to the hotel, she told Dresle about her idea.

"There's a very famous book by Dickens which deals with the very holiday that's being celebrated right now – it's called A Christmas Carol."

"What is Christmas? I mean, what does it celebrate?"

"Well, originally it was the celebration of the birth of Jesus, in the Bible. But now it's mostly about Santa Claus – or Sinter Klaas as they call him here," and she explained the legend of St. Nicholas. "Do you have any holidays on Vellorum?"

"Yes," said Dresle. "We celebrate the Coming-of-Age Ceremony every year. That's when we have our athletic games."

"At what age do your people come of age?"

"Sixty-five," Dresle replied. "But, tell me more about this book – A Christmas Carol."

"Well, it's Dickens' most famous work. It's rather a tradition to read every Christmas. You know – I could read it out loud to you if you like."

"I would love it!" replied Dresle, delighted.

That evening after dinner Elizabeth wanted to go out shopping to find something for Will for Christmas. Dresle asked if she could accompany her, and so they went out together. A car with two guards took them to a street full of shops. It was dark out, and had begun to snow, so that the white flakes showed up beautifully against the Christmas lights hanging in the trees on the side of the streets. Dresle was enchanted with the falling snow. She kept taking her mask off, and stood for a long time with her head back and her tongue out, trying to catch the flakes in her mouth. Elizabeth could not help smiling, it was such a child-like and joyous behavior.

They walked on until they found a Video Book Store. There was a table set up when they entered that had the names and pictures of all the newest best-sellers – in English and Danish – available for immediate download. They also had sections labeled "Literature," "Romance," "Science Fiction/Fantasy," and "Poetry," among others. There was also a video section. These were in the form of microchips. Dresle especially seemed delighted to see all the book titles. There were a few people in the store, and a couple approached Dresle to talk to her. The guard made them stand back, but Dresle said it was okay and allowed them to take a picture with her.

Elizabeth was looking for a gift for Will. She looked through the video section for a while, and then moved to Science Fiction and Fantasy. She ultimately decided on Doomsday Book. She had them wrap it for her – although the microchip was small, it was packaged behind a picture, or "book cover" of a young woman kneeling in a candle-lit medieval church. Dresle came up behind her with something in her hand.

"What are you getting?" she asked curiously.

"Something for you," Dresle smiled.

"Oh, you don't have to do that."

"It's okay. I've never given anyone a gift before," she said.

After she had paid and they were in the street, Dresle suggested they stop at a café. All the cafés seemed to be closed already, but there was a coffee stand open. Christmas carols were coming from a church nearby, whose stained glass windows reflected a myriad of colours on the snow.

Dresle got a hot chocolate with whipped cream and Elizabeth ordered tea. Once they had paid, they walked on a little further. Most of the shops were closed now. Dresle wanted to go into the church, but the idea of entering gave Elizabeth a sick feeling. She did not want to enter. "You can go in," she told Dresle, "but I'm going to wait out here."

After much pleading, Dresle agreed to go in alone, and the guards stood by the door in the inner chamber. Despite her coat, however, Elizabeth soon became too cold and entered the dark foyer to stand by the guards. She could see Dresle sitting alone in one of the dark wood benches near the back, listening avidly. A choir was at the front, singing, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" followed by what sounded like "Silent Night" in Danish. Then a sermon began, and Dresle scurried out to where Elizabeth was waiting. They decided to go to the hotel.

"You know, I have some Christmas music I can share with you. It's a famous work called Handel's Messiah."

"Thank you! And, oh, that reminds me, I want to give you the book I bought you." She took the book from its bag and gave it to Elizabeth. The front "cover" was a picture of a cat amid the flowers of a garden and the title was: The Cat's Meow; a Guide to Caring for our Feline Friends. "It's for Sebastian," said Dresle, and Elizabeth reached over and gave her a hug. "It was very thoughtful of you – thank you."

Dresle evidently didn't know what to do with the hug, but seemed pleased all the same.

When they got to the hotel, it was about nine. Elizabeth asked Dresle if they should start reading, but Dresle said, "In just a few minutes. I just want to tell the others we're starting."

"The others?" asked Elizabeth, puzzled.

"Yes – I mentioned it and a few of the others said they would like to come."

Bemused, and a little nervous, Elizabeth sat down on a padded chair by the gas fire, and soon Dresle came back, followed by Arjen, Marco, Christoph and Svaltu. They all sat around very politely and waited for her to begin.

Now Elizabeth was feeling daunted; but all the faces turned toward her seemed friendly. A little awkwardly, she began.

"Marley was dead, to begin with."

Her nervousness faded as she kept reading, and she began to get into the characters and use different voices. She could imitate a British accent very well, having lived there for several years. Her listeners kept interrupting her to ask questions, but she did not mind. It added, she thought, to the appreciation of the story.

After about two hours, however, Elizabeth's voice was tired and cracked, and she told them they could finish it tomorrow, on Christmas. So one by one they all filed out, and left Dresle and Elizabeth alone. Dresle wanted to keep reading, but Elizabeth promised to continue tomorrow. She was very tired and slept well that night. When the morning dawned she was filled with that wonderful feeling that a person can only get on Christmas day. The sunlight was streaming through the window and snow was falling. Dresle had been up for hours and was sitting on the couch, reading. Elizabeth saw two packages lying on the table beside her.

"Morning," she said. "What are these?"

Dresle looked up. "Oh. They brought some gifts for us."

"Who?"

"I think the hotel staff. They were outside our front door."

Elizabeth sat down to open it, but Dresle continued reading.

"What are you reading?"

"The story of Jesus," replied Dresle. "You told me that Christmas was about Jesus' birth, so I found the New Testament in my library here, and have been reading it. I think it's a very sad story," she continued after a moment. "He gives everything for people, but then they kill him."

Elizabeth did not answer, but looked down at her hands.

"Do many people believe this story?"

"Oh, yes. Many millions," said Elizabeth.

"What about you?"

"No."

"I think it seems real," said Dresle. "But no one can come back from the dead."

"There is historical evidence that Jesus lived, but not that he did miracles or rose from the dead," said Elizabeth. "It's just a story told by people who want an explanation for the purpose of evil and that there is hope against death. But, of course, there isn't. Come on, let's open our presents."

The presents turned out to be a set of shampoos and perfumes, a large bar of Danish milk chocolate, and a gift card. Dresle tried on some of the perfumes but was soon overwhelmed by the choking scent. They decided to leave the room then to go to breakfast. Downstairs the lobby was decorated with Christmas trees, lights, red ribbons, ivy and mistletoe, and miniature Sinter Klaas. The breakfast board was laden with the choicest holiday foods: gourmet cheeses and meats, pies and pastries, as well as more traditional breakfast foods: eggs, pancakes, waffles and fruit. Dresle collected some of everything and ended up with about three plates full. Arjen and Darius were already there, eating.

They had the day "off" that day – that is, there were no appointments or tours. But Laufa had a short meeting in his room with famous Danish scientist Erick Jørgenson, with whom he was going to have an interview the next day. Esma had also been invited to take part in the interview, but had declined, saying that Laufa could do a fine job by himself.

Damian had some free time while Laufa was busy, so he hosted a little party in his suite for the other translators and companions. Elizabeth went for a little while, just to be polite, so when her phone rang, she took the opportunity to leave to take the call.

It was John and his family. They were all on the screen to say hello, and Erin was holding up their little baby to the screen so Elizabeth could see her.

"Merry Christmas!" cried Erin. "How is your Christmas going?"

"Well," said Elizabeth, smiling and waving at the children.

"You're in Denmark, is that right?" asked John.

"Yes."

"We heard that there was going to be an interview in Copenhagen tomorrow –"

But his little boy interrupted him. He was about seven years old, and had a thatched blond head.

"Auntie Elizabeth, when are you coming to visit?" he asked.

"Well…" said Elizabeth awkwardly. "I don't know if I can."

"But your tour is going through the U.F.S., right?" asked John.

"Well, yes… but I don't know where exactly. I mean, I don't know if we'll be going through Texas."

"Well, let us know when you know," said Erin. "We'd love to see you."

"Right. Thanks. Listen, I'd better go, but I hope you have a happy Christmas!"

"You too, Elizabeth. God bless you," said John.

"All right. Bye-bye." She hung up. She was glad that John had avoided mentioning their last conversation, in which she had screamed and then hung up on him.

She called Will, who was celebrating Christmas with his family in Derbyshire.

"When are you coming here?" he asked.

"I'm not sure – in the next few weeks, definitely."

"All right, well I got you a mind-blowing gift, so you'll have to get it when you come."

Then he was called away to pull a cracker with his younger brother, and had to go.

To her surprise, Svaltu, Arjen, Marco and Christoph showed up at her door around four, "to hear the rest of that fascinating story you were reading us yesterday."

Elizabeth smiled. "I'd love to. But I think we're scheduled to have Christmas dinner at five, so why don't you all come back after dinner and we'll finish it?"

In the hour before dinner Elizabeth and Dresle bundled up and went outside, where it had stopped snowing, and had a snowball fight, aided and abetted by the little rosy-faced Danish children in the street. Elizabeth had not had so much fun, nor laughed so much in a long time.

The Christmas dinner was sumptuous and exquisite. It was served in a private hall with a real wood fire, lights and a Christmas tree, and mistletoe hanging over the door. Elizabeth laughingly explained the significance of the mistletoe, while Marco was looking bemused, but pleased, having just been kissed by one of the blond, blue-eyed waitresses. There was a huge roast, and a turkey filled with stuffing. There was roast pork and duck, and piles of pastries and pies. There were roast potatoes, red cabbage and chestnuts with salt and butter, traditional Æbleskiver. There were also plates full of various Danish cookies, as well as beer and gløgg, a mulled wine which Marco especially seemed to appreciate, though he became very unsteady on his feet later, and kept dozing off while Elizabeth was reading A Christmas Carol.

After she had finished the book, with Tiny Tim's famous declaration, "God bless us, everyone!", Marco was snoozing, but the others lingered a while, seeming curious to discuss the story further; not only ghosts, but the nature of time.

"Do your people believe that it is possible to see the future?" asked Svaltu.

"Oh, no," said Elizabeth. "Well, not in general. There are some charlatans who pretend to be able to predict the future, but no one can. If they did, why did not one foresee and stop the Pandemic?"

"I agree," said Svaltu, "but this author seems to have believed –"

"Well, this is a morality tale," said Elizabeth. "Scrooge is brought to the past, present, and future so that he can see the consequences of his actions and try to change."

"So then, you – that is, your people, - believe that the future can be changed?" asked Arjen.

"Well – yes. I suppose so. Some people believe in "fate" or "destiny," but I think that's all rubbish. It's science that rules everything – and science doesn't care."

"Interesting," said Arjen. "In our homeland, we had a specific view of time. I haven't studied it deeply, of course, I'm not a physicist – Esma could tell you more. But my understanding of it is that Time is not linear, as we mostly think of it, but circular, which can be reached at any point."

"You mean, like time travel?" said Elizabeth.

"Not – really, no. But we see past, present, and future as all existing simultaneously. The future, therefore, may have innumerable different outcomes, and is always changing. It is possible even for the past to change the future."

"How is that possible?" asked Elizabeth interestedly.

Arjen shrugged. He was about to speak when Svaltu interjected, "We don't know, really – it's just a theory."

Just then Marco gave a hefty snore.

"You'd better help him get to bed," said Svaltu, looking disgustedly at the sleeping man. "How could he let himself go in such a way…" She shook her head.

Arjen and Christoph hoisted him up by the arms, said good-night to Elizabeth and Dresle, and left.