The only things Tam dislikes more than jug wine and tube socks are surprise parties, especially in his honor. Many have tried over the years to throw one successfully for him, but he always susses them out and turns around and heads home before anyone knows he's there.
This year he was invited to the Swarbzen's lovely cabin in the Wurmwald, to "get away from the stress of his birthday anxiety," but of course he smelled a rat. When he arrived there was no one to be seen nor heard. Annoyed that his friends weren't even trying to be sneaky anymore, he turned and went home.
Of course, this was all a ruse to get him out of his house so his friends could decorate it for the real party. You should have seen the look on his face!