In April’s dogwood winter, Vester dies after an ice storm knocks out power and his oxygen. Dori, who had been administering morphine and fentanyl under nurse guidance, is shattered with guilt and grief. At the funeral, Aunt Fred from Newport News takes over arrangements. The store is to be sold to cover debts; Dori can stay in the paid-off house but will receive little financial help and is weeks from turning eighteen.

Without Vester, the home becomes silent and Dori spirals, clinging to oxys and benzos. Demon discovers that Dori has been selling surplus prescriptions in a crowded pain-clinic parking lot, where desperate patients trade cash for pills. He helps her sell a bottle, witnessing the pill mill’s scale, and learns the clinic is run by Dr. Watts, the same doctor who prescribed his painkillers.

Demon tries to split time with Coach to avoid trouble, but Dori’s need keeps pulling him back. He reflects on her childhood of being indulged by Vester, understanding her helplessness and her reliance on him. As relentless rain sets in, Miss Betsy arrives, condemns Demon’s truancy, and cuts off monthly support to Coach, leaving Demon’s status in the house uncertain.

Feeling his football future slipping away and unwilling to keep taking advantage of Coach, Demon decides to move in with Dori. Coach, wounded but respectful, lets him go. Demon and Dori celebrate their new life with weed and a saved fentanyl patch, treating the house as theirs despite the lack of practical readiness.

Angus helps Demon pack, fiercely denounces Miss Betsy, and confronts Demon about his drug use. He admits he is using beyond pain management, though not meth or needles. Angus urges a step-by-step retreat and seeking adult help, but Demon insists on handling adulthood on his own, while Angus affirms she likes Dori because Dori is the first to make him truly happy.