Demon frames his move to Coach Winfield’s house as a rare “do-over,” like Stoner’s escape from their old life, and feels guilty for having new clothes, a private room, and safety that his mother never got. Even with the comforts, Demon stays keyed up, noticing Coach’s mess, alcohol, and the temptation of a life where adults leave things unguarded.

At Jonesville Middle, Demon feels out of place among sheltered sixth graders. He knows he is behind academically after missing so much school, but what really separates him is his hard-earned knowledge of hunger, violence, scams, and money. Watching kids casually waste cash at lunch and recess sharpens Demon’s fear of being exposed as someone who “doesn’t belong” in new shoes and a safer world.

Angus takes Demon shopping while Coach is at practice, with U-Haul ("Snake Man") driving. Demon panics about having no money and tries to refuse, but Angus pushes him to choose what he needs, needling him about his mismatched hand-me-down clothes. When Demon finally admits he is broke, Angus apologizes and reveals she is paying with a credit card.

They spend freely across multiple stores, and Demon sees how Coach’s reputation creates instant deference, even free food at Hardee’s. Demon enjoys the attention only insofar as it lets him pass as a normal kid, while noticing U-Haul soaking it up. Angus surprises Demon with her knowledge and confidence, but Demon also grows wary of U-Haul’s creepiness.

Back at the house, Demon observes how thoroughly the household runs on rules and caretaking, largely through Mattie Kate, who insists Demon’s job is to “be a little boy.” Angus admits U-Haul inflates his status: the real assistant coach is Mr. Briggs, while U-Haul is just a booster-funded errand man. Demon and Angus settle into an uneasy friendship built on homework, den hangouts, and firm boundaries, and Demon wonders how long this stability can last.