We sat and drank, each with a separate past locked up in him, and fate's alarm clocks set at unrelated futures -- when, at last, a wrist was cocked, and eyes of consorts met.
In Nabokov's "Pnin," the characters find themselves in a moment of reflection as they share drinks together. Despite their camaraderie, each individual carries a unique history, filled with personal experiences and memories that shape their identities. Their futures are also disconnected, highlighting the unpredictable nature of life and the varying paths each of them will take.
This scene emphasizes the profound emotions tied to human connections, suggesting that while people may share a moment, their pasts and destinies remain distinct. The imagery of a wrist being cocked and eyes meeting suggests an awakening or recognition, hinting at the potential for connection, even amidst their separate lives.
