79.hail-ripperthroat.17.(0)

I found Van in one of his favourite bars on the Middlewood road in a vert and melancholic mood; he has had several jugs of strong ale and more than likely a headful of crust as well. This is supposed to be a time of merriment -- clearly Van is using it as a time of retrospection.

Believe me, Pip, I will relieve the burden of my care long before I become a burden to those who should be doing the caring. I’m not entirely sure of who Van is referring to here, he seems to be talking to the fireplace rather than directly at me. He is of an exceptionally advanced age, and as far as I know, he has no carers -- he lives alone in that great manse of his on the corner of the corner.

Some will say my actions are those of a selfish person, Pip -- but it is them who are the selfish ones! They're the ones who cocoon themselves in their own little worlds and live their little Ducklocksly lives in accordance with their ancient scriptures. These fools don't even realise that those scriptures are milting, and these selfish jellies, it is them that expect to be cared for in their old age. Not I.

Me? I’ll selflessly remove the need for my care long before I become a burden -- as I said: Once you have reached the stage in your existence where you need care, you should do the responsible thing: Celebrate your existence, step out of the circle and stop consuming precious resources that your fellow apes could be consuming for themselves.