Quan falls ill with malaria. A messenger arrives bearing news from Luong, whom has shot the deserter Quan previously met in both knees. Though he is sick, Quan is summoned to an officers’ meeting and must leave camp. In a company of all male officers, a woman guides them to their final destination, which makes all of the men extremely happy.

In an extended internal section, Quan dreams of having a conversation with one of his ancestors, arguing about the meaning of life and the meaning of Vietnam. When the company arrives at their destination, Luong is waiting to meet Quan again. After watching a stage performance, Luong pulls Quan aside to tell him that Bien is dead from tetanus. Quan also learns that the army is ordering many more coffins built. This moment feels to Quan like the end of his friendship with Luong. He notes, “I realized he wasn’t going to say anything more, that he would never tell me anything ever again” (262).

Quan wonders if he could have done anything more to save Bien. Later, he dreams again of his ancestor, having another argument about their respective generations and who is right.