The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain

Author: Charles Dickens

Pay attention to who is sitting next to you first. Is there no one? Look again, for it might not be your own shadow. If you believe that humans are the only creatures in this universe, then I advise you not to look out the window after sunset, and when you sit in your room, keep the light on, do not close your eyes, and do not look behind you. Perhaps you should take some advice from Mr. Redlaw, who lives alone in his dark and frightening room, where no light is seen except the flames coming from the fireplace. This man, who has been writhing in pain and torment since he was born, no longer knows the meaning of rest at night, for those shadows do not leave him from the last thread of day until sunrise. Mr. Redlaw did not know the truth of this world despite his extensive work in chemistry; rather, he drowned in darkness. But when Mrs. William appeared, he began to feel that his life was taking a different turn. Perhaps he will one day open his eyes to the reality he lives, and perhaps you will open your eyes to everything around you.