The old man gathers a stack of papers in his arms.
Lecture notes mostly, some programmes of scientific conferences with long-ago dates.
Correspondence about professional and scientific issues that seemed very important at that time. He sets the papers down on his desk. Item after item is examined, some swiftly, some with lingering attention. He shakes his head and allows himself a small smile as he finishes with the last paper in the stack. The room has darkened.