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Contains spoilersOverview
Demon’s plans with Dori are derailed when Mr. Peg dies, plunging Maggot and the Peggot family into grief. At the crowded funeral, Demon contrasts this communal remembrance with his mother’s lonely service and feels newly tethered to others. Outside, Emmy and Rose brawl, exposing Emmy’s involvement with Fast Forward and shattering Hammer.
Summary
Demon spends a blissful week anticipating a sober, respectful Saturday date with Dori, planning a drive-in and time alone. The day is upended when Maggot calls: Mr. Peg is failing. June collects Demon, probing about his knee surgery and painkillers, and reveals Maggot is staying with her while Emmy defies house rules.
At the Peggot home, relatives crowd in. Demon learns he can visit upstairs by turns, but finds Maggot down by the creek. Their banter collapses into Maggot’s silent sobs and regret over a blowout with Mr. Peg—last words exchanged in anger. That night Mr. Peg dies; the family women wash and ready him in the morning.
Dori drives Demon to the funeral, nervous but devoted. The church is packed with people from all corners of Mr. Peg’s life, unlike Demon’s mother’s sparse service. The minister recounts pranks, kindnesses, and rescues that stitched the community together, making Demon feel pride and belonging as Dori holds his hand.
At the funeral home’s basement meal, Ruby and June clash over arrangements. Demon checks on Mrs. Peggot, who grips his hand in quiet grief. Upstairs, a separate service mourns Aidan Collins, the former first-string tight end, underscoring the day’s losses.
Outside for a smoke with Maggot, Demon breaks up a vicious fight between Rose Dartell and Emmy. Both flee. Maggot explains the cause: Emmy was seen with Fast Forward and has dumped Hammer. June had earlier asked Demon whether Fast Forward was decent; Demon feels sick at the fallout as friendships strain under grief.
Who Appears
- Demon Copperhead
Narrator; plans a date, supports Maggot through Mr. Peg’s death, feels belonging at the funeral, breaks up Emmy–Rose fight.
- Maggot
Grieving foster brother; regrets a final argument with Mr. Peg, can’t say goodbye, reveals Emmy’s involvement with Fast Forward.
- Dori
Demon’s girlfriend; picks him up, attends the funeral, steadies him with quiet support and affection.
- June
Doctor and anchor; drives Demon, worries about his surgery and pills, shelters Maggot, manages family logistics.
- Mr. Peg (Peggot)
Beloved father figure; dies, celebrated for lifelong kindness that bound the community together.
- Emmy
Arrives late with a casket flower; brawls with Rose; has been seen with Fast Forward; breaks up with Hammer.
- Rose Dartell
Attacks Emmy outside the funeral home; her rage exposes Emmy’s link to Fast Forward.
- Mrs. Peggot
New widow; diminished and weary, grips Demon’s hand in silent thanks and grief.
- Hammer Kelly
Emmy’s ex; looks devastated at the funeral after being dumped amid the Fast Forward revelation.
- Fast Forward
Offstage but pivotal; seen with Emmy, triggering her breakup with Hammer and Rose’s fury.
- Ruby Peggot
Aunt coordinating the meal; corrals family, clashes with June, keeps order amid mourning.
- Aidan Collins
Former first-string tight end; his separate funeral upstairs underscores the day’s mortality.