Cramped in the truck and determined to make no more delays, Demon, Fast Forward, Emmy, and Maggot push east, but stop for gas anyway. Maggot volunteers to ride in the truck bed and acts wired and performative, drawing attention from strangers. Demon thinks of Angus and how college will likely change her and pull her away.

They struggle to navigate Richmond while Fast Forward calls a contact named Mouse. After circling unfamiliar neighborhoods and arriving irritated and tired, they reach Mouse’s crowded, run-down house, where Mouse—tiny, sharp, and distrustful—questions bringing “underage” kids. Fast Forward insists he has business connections, while Mouse mocks the idea of everyone crashing there.

Mouse’s associates include Leon, a large, impaired man, and an unmoving “Couch Guy.” Mouse lays out powder and everyone except Couch Guy snorts lines; Demon joins out of pressure to be “one of their people,” even though the cocaine amplifies Demon’s sleepless, nightmarish agitation. Demon and Maggot are put in a nearly empty room that reeks of gasoline, and Demon lies awake through noise, fights, and comings and goings, spiraling into fear and taking the rest of the drugs Demon brought plus a Xanax from Dori to calm down, knowing it will worsen withdrawals later.

By the next day, Fast Forward focuses on negotiations and concealing a “score” in the truck, losing interest in reaching the ocean. After some sightseeing and eating at Popeyes, Fast Forward announces they must drive back in the morning, leaving Demon furious that the beach is again missed. Demon sleeps in the truck cab, then endures a miserable ride home as everyone crashes; Demon’s withdrawals become so bad Demon demands extra bathroom stops.

Demon is dropped off late to Dori, who gives Demon what Demon needs and cares for Demon until Demon can sleep. Angus then calls, warning Coach has gotten school robo-calls about Demon’s absence and is talking about reinstating strict “season rules,” so Demon must come to dinner and face consequences. At Coach’s house, before dinner, U-Haul corners Demon in the laundry room, says Coach has tasked him with monitoring Demon’s “druggie” behavior, hints Coach is embezzling, and crudely implies Angus is the real “merchandise,” pushing Demon toward violence.