Chapter 123: Stiff And Rehearsed
The first segment of the evening unfolded as the school’s official event. The ballroom’s ambiance shifted slightly as an announcer’s voice rang out, calling the attention of the guests to the podium at the front of the room. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow, accentuating the gilded lectern where an alumnus prepared to deliver a speech.
The emcee’s voice resonated: "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to welcome one of our most accomplished alumni, Dr. Gerald Thorne—a celebrated researcher and, though he refuses to admit it, a man with an unparalleled sense of humor. Dr. Thorne, the stage is yours."
A polite wave of laughter rippled through the room as Dr. Thorne—a man in his late forties with graying hair and a charming, self-deprecating smile—took the podium. He adjusted his tie and tapped the microphone, feigning confusion.
"Is this thing on?" he quipped, earning a few chuckles. "Ah, there we go. I wouldn’t want to start my speech without the promise of embarrassing myself in front of the most important people in the city."
The crowd chuckled again, and he grinned, encouraged. "Good evening, everyone. I’m Dr. Gerald Thorne, class of 2002—though I prefer to say ’Class of Forever Young,’ because it feels less like a countdown to retirement."
Laughter bubbled up once more, and Gerald leaned casually against the podium. "When I was asked to give a speech tonight, I thought, ’Why me? Surely someone more dignified, eloquent, and less likely to tell an inappropriate joke would be a better choice.’ But then I remembered the reason we’re all here tonight: connection. Not just the connections we forge in our careers, but the ones we carry in our hearts. Or, as my mother would say, the people who will call you out on your nonsense at a masquerade ball."
The room erupted into warm laughter.
He continued with a playful but poignant tone. "On a serious note, what makes events like this so special is how they remind us of the legacy we’re building—whether it’s in science, business, art, or, in my case, how to spill coffee on a million-dollar lab instrument. True story."
The audience laughed louder, clearly enjoying his approachable humor.