Demon meets Stoner for a supervised lunch arranged by Miss Barks. The conversation stalls, and Stoner’s attention stays on his food while Demon fumbles for topics. Stoner confirms he is back in his old Heeltown apartment, signaling a reset that leaves Demon feeling discarded and furious about Stoner’s clean slate.

Stoner reminisces that Mom could have been happy “if things were different,” which Demon hears as a slight. Demon recalls that DSS considered giving Stoner a say in his future because Mom defended Stoner in counseling and took responsibility for the abuse, resulting in no charges. Demon had raged at this, then reluctantly understood it as Mom’s failed attempt to protect him.

Searching for approval, Demon mentions JV football and weight training with Fast Forward, but Stoner remains uninterested. The cold December weather and a happy family in the restaurant sharpen Demon’s grief for his mother and the unborn baby, leaving him feeling like the sole keeper of their memory.

As time runs out, Demon claims he is improving at school and explains his October absence for tobacco cutting at the foster farm. When Stoner questions truancy, Demon explodes about the reality of Crickson’s operation and declares he hates it. He notes the farm won’t keep boys over winter, implying he will soon have nowhere to go, and Stoner offers no help.

As a last attempt to prompt concern, Demon says he’ll go with the Peggots to Knoxville over Christmas. Stoner’s bland well-wish shows his indifference. Though the invitation is a lie, Demon decides he will go to the Peggots anyway because he has no other option.