As he practices for his impending driving test, Curley is thrown into a panic by an impatient driver behind him. His mind returns to Changi and the punishment he received. He was caught stealing food and Lieutenant Aso takes his revenge on the 'Singing' thief.

Eddie celebrates his Birthday as always, with a ritualistic shave. He remembers other birthdays including the terror of a birthday in Changi when the Japanese morale officer went mad.

For Tom the prospect of the forthcoming reunion is a mixed blessing: he loves seeing his old mates but hates where they take him - back to the last night of war.