Demon’s mother, newly steady in sobriety and holding her Walmart job, starts seeing Murrell Stone, who goes by “Stoner.” Demon is instructed to accept him as a “good man,” and Stoner quickly inserts himself into their lives with flattery for Demon’s mother and patronizing jokes for Demon, calling him “His Majesty” and teasing him for being close to his mother.

Stoner’s paid-off Ford pickup and Harley impress Demon and Maggot, who admire the motorcycle whenever it appears. When Stoner offers Demon a short ride, Demon is excited until Mrs. Peggot, watching from next door, warns Demon he could fall, crack his head open, and be left behind. Alarmed by her blunt certainty, Demon claims a stomachache and refuses the ride, noticing Stoner’s irritated tone and possessive posture with Demon’s mother.

Later, Demon does ride on the Harley, squeezed between Stoner and his mother, and the three go to Pro’s Pizza. When Demon’s mother steps away, two of Stoner’s friends slide into the booth and talk crudely and cryptically—joking about Demon’s mother, sharing Stoner’s beer, and discussing “drilling” work and a car “with a trailer on the back.” Demon doesn’t understand the meaning, but senses the adult world around Stoner is dangerous and untrustworthy.

After school lets out, the Peggots invite Demon to travel with them to Knoxville to visit Maggot’s aunt June for two weeks. Demon worries about leaving his mother—who depends on him for reminders and daily stability—but when he asks, his mother readily agrees, almost too eager for him to go. Demon packs excitedly and waits on the deck with his mother before dawn as she smokes, gives him manners and behavior reminders, and oddly asks him not to forget her.

When the Peggots finally depart, Demon’s mother dramatically hugs and kisses him goodbye in front of everyone, embarrassing him. As they drive away, Mr. Peg waves, but Mrs. Peggot stares back at Demon’s mother with a troubled expression that lingers well past the state line, hinting she fears what Demon is being left alone with.