Journey to Scrooge's Childhood
Suddenly they're flying through the wall and land in the countryside where Scrooge grew up. The dark, foggy city has completely vanished, replaced by a clear, cold winter day with snow on the ground.
Scrooge is immediately overwhelmed by sensory memories - thousands of smells that connect to forgotten thoughts, hopes, and joys. His lip trembles and he starts to cry, showing that his emotions are already beginning to thaw.
He recognises every gate, post, and tree along the road. When they see boys on ponies heading home for the holidays, all shouting merrily to each other, Scrooge remembers when Christmas meant joy instead of bitterness.
Key Point: The contrast between the foggy city and bright countryside shows the difference between Scrooge's current misery and his forgotten capacity for happiness.