The narrative unfolds entirely inside and around a rustic cabin in the
Pacific Northwest, where popular university professor John Oldman unexpectedly resigns after a decade of service. As his closest academic colleagues—representing anthropology, history, biology, psychology, and theology—gather to help him pack and bid him farewell, they press him for the real reason behind his sudden departure. To satisfy their curiosity, John proposes a bizarre hypothetical scenario: What if a prehistoric caveman managed to survive through the ages, walking the earth for fourteen thousand years?As the conversation deepens, John gradually reveals that the hypothetical scenario is actually his own autobiography. He explains that he is an immortal Cro-Magnon man who stopped aging biologically when he reached roughly thirty-five years of age. Because his prolonged youth would eventually arouse suspicion and lead to persecution, he is forced to pack up and relocate every decade or so, assuming a new identity to blend into modern society.Understandably skeptical, his colleagues react with a mix of academic curiosity, frustration, and concern for his mental stability. They challenge his assertions by cross-examining him across various disciplines. The archaeologist questions him about paleolithic art techniques, the historian quizzes him on forgotten eras and lost civilizations, and the biologist demands explanations for genetic and physiological continuity. With calm composure and precise detail, John effortlessly answers every query, recounting personal memories of wandering across ancient continents, participating in foundational human migrations, and observing the rise and fall of empires.The emotional climax of the evening arrives when the deeply religious
literature professor, Edith, and the Christian counselor, Dan, confront John regarding matters of faith. John casually reveals a monumental secret: centuries ago, he traveled to the Middle East, studied under Gautama Buddha, and later found himself in the Levant, where he became the historical inspiration for Jesus Christ. He explains that his teachings of love and kindness were later exaggerated and mythologized by well-meaning followers into divine miracles. This revelation profoundly shocks and offends the faithful colleagues, nearly fracturing the room's intellectual camaraderie.As the night draws to a close, the guests depart, processing the overwhelming and paradigm-shifting information they have just received. Some leave in bitter disbelief, while others remain haunted by the lingering possibility that his impossible tale is entirely true. In a poignant final twist, the psychology professor stumbles upon a shocking clue that suggests John might actually be his long-lost biological father from a previous era, adding a deeply personal and emotional weight to John’s lonely, eternal journey as he drives away into the dark night.