It was the Fall of 1885 and Gilbert had just returned from his first voyage on the steamship that had hired him. He had followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a sailor just like him. But his father had passed away a few months ago, leaving Gilbert to fend for himself.

Gilbert was a keenly intelligent young man, with a strong wit and a great sense of humor. He had grown up to be a fair, practical, and reliable man, but he still had a boyish sense to him. He loved to play pranks and make people laugh, but ever since his father's death, he had become more serious and mature.

As he stepped off the train at the station, Gilbert couldn't help but feel a sense of loneliness. He missed his father terribly and wished he was still alive to see how far Gilbert had come. But he knew he had to be strong and carry on with his life.

Lost in his thoughts, Gilbert didn't notice the young man walking towards him until they collided. “Oh, I'm so sorry,” Gilbert apologized, helping the young man pick up his fallen papers.