On the eve of his eleventh birthday, Demon blurts out the milestone during their room inspection. Fast Forward, assuming Demon was older, promises to try to mark the day despite the short notice. Demon holds onto the hope of some small acknowledgment, even just regular cookies.

Before dawn, Demon rides the bus with Tommy and Swap-Out, telling no one else. At school he keeps quiet, then hears his name called to the office and imagines his mother or Mrs. Peggot might have arranged a surprise or visit. The possibility buoys him as he walks in.

In the attendance office, Miss Barks looks distraught. Demon assumes she forgot his birthday and tries to reassure her it’s fine. When Miss Barks breaks down crying, Demon jumps to a different conclusion, raging that his mother must have relapsed and ruined his chance to go home for Christmas.

Miss Barks steadies herself and delivers the truth: “Mom is dead.” Demon denies it and tries to leave, but Miss Barks insists it’s true. She says the cause was oxy. In shock, Demon has to ask what “oxy” is, as the day that began with hope ends in irrevocable loss.