Leo receives a phone call from his mother, who is enthusiastic about Leo and Neve's potential move to Tasmania. Leo is frustrated that Neve has been discussing the plan with his mother, including potential dates and even his birthday. His mother has already booked a Japanese restaurant. Leo insists the move is only an idea, but his mother cheerfully offers to bribe his children with a hundred dollars each to agree to it. She also mentions a landscape gardener who took her money and disappeared, which further exasperates Leo.

After hanging up, Leo reflects on Neve's campaign to relocate them before his forty-third birthday to avert the death-by-workplace-accident prediction. He notices a Post-it note Neve left on his computer bearing the name "Rod Van Blair" and a phone number. Neve had known exactly who Leo would call if he were told he was going to die. Leo then recalls the history of his friendship with Rod—how they met as first-year engineering students at Sydney University, became best mates and housemates, and how Rod indirectly led Leo to meet Neve. Their friendship ended when Leo, frustrated by Rod's toxic girlfriend, drunkenly confronted him outside a pub, leading to a bitter falling-out. Despite knowing he should have apologized, Leo let the estrangement persist for over a decade. He learned through mutual acquaintances that Rod eventually left the girlfriend, married someone else, had three children, and moved to Victoria.

Leo crumples the Post-it note, angry at Neve's interference, but then smooths it out and dials the number. Rod answers, and after a brief pause, recognizes Leo immediately, calling him "Leopold"—a name no one else uses. They fall into an easy rapport, half-pretending no time has passed, but Rod urgently asks if Leo is dying. Leo begins to explain the psychic prediction but stops mid-sentence, realizing that Rod's use of "Leopold" has triggered a memory about the symbol on the plane lady's brooch. He promises Rod the full story. The chapter ends with Leo, filled with regret for lost time and relief at their reconnection, telling Rod it's good to hear his voice. After a long pause, Rod, sounding emotional, replies "Likewise."