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Contains spoilersOverview
Demon’s life with Dori deteriorates into fights, squalor, and ceaseless drug logistics, even as he clings to small income and his Courier strip. After meeting Angus, he confronts Ms. Annie about malicious rumors and is urged to claim his work. Meanwhile, Dori’s theft from Thelma and Mr. Maldo’s harassment heighten risks.
Summary
Demon keeps the lights on but fights with Dori over basic responsibilities and safety, symbolized by a leaking stove and a balky furnace. He balances a Sonic job with occasional Courier comics while Dori demands his constant presence. Their days flatten under drugs and stagnation.
Seeking counsel, Demon meets Angus at their “Hoboland” park. Angus reports U‑Haul’s rumor that Ms. Annie is cheating with Mr. Maldo and claims Demon witnessed it at June’s house. Demon denies this and, after discussing his frustrations with Dori, hears Angus’s blunt reminder: he chose Dori and must live with both her charms and failings.
On impulse, Demon drives to school to see Ms. Annie. In the car, he disavows the rumor and learns she is part-time, supports herself with art and gigs, and worries most for Mr. Maldo, who is unwell and being harassed. She describes racism directed at her husband, Mr. Armstrong, and urges Demon to value his art and sign the Red Neck strip: “Art is work.”
Demon returns to the grind: trash piling up, pill-mill runs where Dr. Watts barely recognizes him, and the daily hazards of addiction he rationalizes as discipline. When Dori begins stealing from Thelma—culminating in jewelry and a Vitamix—he is furious yet treats her like a fragile doll. On his birthday’s approach, they fantasize marriage as Dori nods off; Demon ensures she’s breathing before heading out.
Who Appears
- Demon Copperhead (Damon Fields)
Narrator; juggling Sonic work, Courier strip, and addiction logistics; confronts Ms. Annie about rumors; caretakes Dori and contemplates marriage.
- Dori
Demon’s girlfriend; increasingly dependent and housebound, uses morphine patches, steals from Thelma, dreams of marriage while nodding out.
- Ms. Annie
Art teacher; target of an affair rumor; part-time, married to Mr. Armstrong; encourages Demon to sign his strip; worries about Mr. Maldo.
- Angus
Friend in community college; relays U‑Haul’s rumor and gives blunt counsel about Demon’s choices regarding Dori.
- Mr. Maldo (Jack)
Teacher rumored to be in an affair; unwell and harassed by students; at risk of quitting and losing insurance.
- U‑Haul
Antagonist spreading malicious rumors about Ms. Annie and Mr. Maldo, claiming Demon as a witness.
- Mr. Armstrong (Lewis)
Ms. Annie’s husband; respected teacher facing racist parent backlash; described as resilient support.
- Dr. Watts
Pill-mill doctor; continues writing scripts and barely recognizes Demon; previously coerced Dori.
- Tommy
Friend Demon helps; encourages more Courier strips; imagined best man in Dori’s wedding fantasy.
- Thelma
Dori’s friend and morphine source; victim of Dori’s escalating thefts.
- Coach
Demon’s legal guardian; concerned about Demon; symbolizes the life Demon left behind.
- Jip
Demon and Dori’s dog; scavenges household trash; imagined ring bearer in their fantasy wedding.