If the world's a stage,
there are very few actors on it. Who should come striding into my office but First Lieutenant Ng Zhiwen, fresh from his studies and eager to take over the projects I've been handling for my boss. It is a very convenient thing, to have a shared past (after a fashion); I can take for granted a certain level of understanding I've learnt to do without in others. He looks like Clay Aiken, I've told him, especially about the teeth and ears. I shall make him sing if I get the chance.