Great Expectations: The sequel

1

Switzerland 1835

Pip kicked back and relaxed on the nice soft sofa after a long day at work. The banking business with Herbert had really taken off and they had recently bought a fine house in the Swiss Alps.

Pip, being 33 years of age, lived with Herbert and Herbert's wife Clara. The new house was a good size, so Pip had his own room that was a miniature apartment within. Herbert had helped Pip through thick and thin. In return, Pip was a hard worker and contributed much to their bank's success.

Switzerland was a peaceful place compared to the hustle of London and the hardships of the small village Pip grew up in. His years spent in Britain, trying to manage money and pay off debts was behind him now. The situations of those days taught him much about the importance of monitoring one's finances. Such learned skills helped him to become one of the finest bankers in the business. Pip had money now, but it was his own earned money.

The days continued with the usual business, until one day when Pip came into his office to find a nicely folded letter. It had come from England. There was no specific address, but Pip figured that it had to be from his childhood guardian Joe and his wife Bitty. He smiled with excitement while opening it. Yet his happiness faded to confusion. The note only stated:

Your days are numbered.