It was an ordinary day for Philip Pirrip, who had taken on the name Pip at an early age, and his wife Estella Pirrip. Having been married for two years, life had become routine and consisted only of meals, perhaps a stroll through the city, and sleep. Of course, sleeping was hardly a consideration now that they had their infant son to care for. For six weeks, Estella and Pip had not been pulled away from the responsibilites and attention that came with their son, Joseph Pirrip. However, with some heavy persuasion, Pip and Estella left their child in the care of Biddy Gargery and her husband Joe Gargery (who Joseph had been named after). The Gargerys moved back to London upon hearing the news of Estella being close to birthing Joseph, since then they had been residing with Pip and Estella , and only now had been left in charge of the youngest and newest member of the Pirrip family.
"Do you suppose that's he all right, Pip?" Estella asked.
Pip gave a sigh; this was not the first time that Estella had asked this question since they had left their home and he knew it would not be the last.
"Estella, I've nothing but full confidence in Joe and Biddy, and little Pip will be wishing to help as well, I'm certain. Joseph shall be all right until our return." Pip said.
Estella shrugged. "He had been crying when we left, and I' m not certain if Biddy was able to settle him."
"He's calm, I'm sure, Estella. Now, can we not enjoy each other's company? We've barely been alone since Joseph was born."
Estella smiled and linked her arm into Pip's. "Yes, of course, my love. I apologize for my behavior."
Pip gave a light chuckle. "No need for apologies, dear. It is in your nature to worry."
"And I thought I could not for anyone more than I do myself..."
Pip looked at Estella and saw a pain reflecting in her eyes. She was most likely recalling her years of coldness and selfishness. Of course, it had become nothing but a memory now, and was only thought upon during the rarest occasions, and this seemed to be one. Pip certainly sympathized for Estella during these periods of recollection; as he had behaved in a nearly similar manner for an extended period in his life.
Pip saw Estella's eyes brightened again and a small smile came on her face. The memory had been pressed to the back of her mind again.
The two continued their walk through the streets of London in silence, neither able to speak on a subject that didn't concern Joseph in some form or the other. It was Estella who finally broke the silence.
"The sky is clear today. I had been expecting it to rain."
Pip looked up at the sky and observed it. "Yes, there's not been a trace of a cloud. I'm sure that little Pip will be wanting to use his skipping rope by our return."
Suddenly, a thin, beared man walked by the Pirrips; nearly knocking over Estella. Thankfully, she had been able to balance herself quickly.
"Such harshness." Estella muttered.
"Are you all right, dear?" Pip asked.
"Yes, I'm all right. But I've a desire to place that man in iron."
Pip looked over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of the rude gentleman. Infact, the gentleman was looking over his shoulder as well, directly at Pip. Though a good distance from each other, Pip could not help but notice the deep scars and small swelling on the man's face. He had been injured in the past, but Pip certainly had no knowledge of how the gentleman had sustained his injuries. Nonetheless, there was something interesting about the gentleman: Pip had seen him before. Somewhere, in another time and place, they had met. It may have been a brief encounter, or they just might have been aquaintances, but Pip knew his face.
"Pip, are you looking at something?" Estella asked.
Pip shook his head and turned to Estella. "Nothing, love. It's nothing."