Mr.Woodifield wants to tell the boss something, but is struggling to remember what it is, when the boss offers him some fine whisky.He is extremely perturbed at the sudden reference to his dead son, and expects to weep but is surprised to find that he cannot.He looks at his son's photo, and thinks it bears little resemblance to his son, as he looks stern in the photo, whereas the boss remembers him to be bright and friendly.Woodifield, an old and rather infirm gentleman, is talking to his friend, referred to only as "the boss". The boss is a well-to-do man who is "still going strong", despite being five years older than Woodifield.The boss enjoys showing off his redecorated office to him, and points out its new furniture and electric heating.There is an aged picture of a young man, whom we learn is the boss's deceased son, sitting above a table, but it is not referred to by the boss.After Woodifield leaves, the boss sits down at his table to inform his clerk that he does not want to be disturbed.By the third drop, the fly has been severely weakened, and dies.