Demon invites Fast Forward to June and Emmy’s much-hyped Fourth of July party, hoping Fast Forward might help Maggot. Fast Forward arrives with Rose and Mouse, a brash Philadelphia makeup artist carrying a Pringles can of contraband. They reach June’s crowded, woodsy gathering, where Emmy plays hostess, handing out cake.

Inside, Demon discovers Emmy wearing a garnet ring from Hammer, confirming they’re dating. June presides with a dry, no-nonsense safety speech. When Demon spots Fast Forward and Mouse leading older kids toward the wrecked cabin, curiosity takes him up the hill, where Mouse sells small black disks. Later, Demon returns to find partygoers passed out in the cabin with needles and kits, and he retreats.

Back at the bonfire, Demon trades barbs with Maggot as Fast Forward gauges the crowd. Fast Forward wants a proper introduction to Emmy but balks at Hammer’s presence and Maggot’s jibes. Rose asserts control, handing Fast Forward a beer and pushing to leave. Demon fetches Mouse from chatting with June and Ruby.

Walking out, Mouse mocks the locals and Hammer; Demon weakly defends them. A buried M‑80 “kyarn blow” explodes nearby, underscoring the recklessness. Fast Forward and Mouse continue their derision while Demon, stung, mutters “Welcome to Dixie,” then immediately regrets it.

Alone with his thoughts, Demon reflects on the fireworks, his dead parents and baby brother, and the contempt outsiders hold for people like him. He recognizes how easily he joined in that contempt, and how deeply the class ridicule cuts, as if the mocked are standing in the stall hearing every word.