Legacy

The Marleys, having made a name and fortune for themselves in finance over almost 200 years, never mentioned the embarrassment of Jacob Marley (who had died wishing he'd been a better person). They continued much as they ever had, and were prepared to make a surreal amount of money and reach an epic number of evictions this year. Marley and Scrooge (reunited in the afterlife) watched their trajectory with moderate interest and residual empathy. "Fate is moving in two paths," Marley whispered to his friend. "Grow your compassion or take your consequences." "How will it all play out?" Scrooge asked, less intrigued (as he was trying to influence a lender on earth to forgive debts this year). "Well, there's prison on the one hand and, on the other, death by bears on a camp toilet at a dry cabin in Alaska," Marley responded. A silent moment passed between them. "Oooo," Scrooge responded, re-engaging, "is it something that requires us to vote?" Marley began to laugh and several transitory spirits joined in.