A Web of Lies

Chapter 6

Dr. Weston pulled out the special bottle while Trevor rummaged in the drawers for the corkscrew.

            “Third on the left.” The professor said. The young man found it a moment later and handed it ceremoniously to the professor, who popped the cork and let it breathe for a moment.

            “Would you like a decanter?” Trevor asked.

            “No, no. That’s quite alright.” He said. “But grab as many glasses as you can. We’ll line them up on the table for everyone.”

            Trevor immediately did as he was bidden, and a lovely display of cheerfully full wine glasses took shape before him. Dr. Weston then placed the newest cork in the bowl in the living room and cleared his throat.

            “Gather round everyone.” Dr. Weston called. “Come to the kitchen, grab a glass of wine, and we shall all make a toast.”

            A small chorus of “marvelous”, “Here, here”, and “Splendid” followed suit as everyone bustled into the kitchen and took up a glass. All eyes shifted to the professor.

            “I have been a man of many projects.” He said. “Few of them have not turned out as I would have liked, but such is the way of things. We are not defined by when we fail, but by what we are willing to endure to succeed. Things haven’t always worked out, and I’ve certainly had to improvise at times. But alas, tenacity shall win out, for I fought hard for some dusty old rocks, and now I have them.”

            A murmur of laughter followed.

            “Ages pass, civilizations rise and fall, and entire species pass in and out of existence, but sometimes, even the footprint of small and insignificant creatures can survive to make a difference. I wondered what impact my discovery would have. I mused over what kind of footprint I would leave. Would ages remember my work? Would a part of me survive?

            “Then I realized, what does it matter? I’ve spent my life chasing after scientific achievement, and wouldn’t you know it, I succeeded!”

            “Hurrah!” Several in the crowd said.

            The professor smiled before he continued.

            “Yes. Despite the nay-sayings of some of my colleagues, here I am. But what is one achievement? Is a man’s life defined by one moment or action? Or is he more than the sum of his memories? I have discovered a great thing in my field, yes, but I have also placed my focus upon other things. I have served with a most marvelous faculty for many years.” He said looking out to the many faces which returned his smile. “I’ve been blessed by many a fine family and friend……and I’ve managed to turn this American heathen into a respectable fellow despite himself.” Dr. Weston said with a wink to Trevor.

            “God save the queen.” Trevor said. The crowd jovially responded.

            “All in all, I would just like to say, let us strive not to leave but a single footprint upon the ground, but rather, to walk upon the noble path.” Dr. Weston said.

            Murmurs of agreement and profound nodding swept across the company.

            “To the noble path.” The professor said, raising his glass.

            “To the noble path!” the chorus echoed. Trevor took a sip from his glass and suppressed a gag. The wine tasted like rancid cough syrup.