7. November 27, 2018

Summary

• The chapter is set on a warm evening with mist rising from Red Bank Avenue despite it being winter.
• Peter "Stinky" Steinman, an 11-year-old with a vivid imagination, is skateboarding on his way to Dairy Whip to meet friends.
• A flashback explains how Peter got the nickname "Stinky" due to a mishap with dog excrement and his sneakers three years prior.
• He arrives at Dairy Whip and finds only two friends, Richie and Tommy, who are about to leave for other commitments.
• After attempting a kick-flip and failing, Stinky decides to head home. He hesitates to buy food at Dairy Whip because he lacks money and doesn't want to face rejection from Wicked Wanda, the employee on duty.
• On his way, he fantasizes about being John Wick and fighting enemies until he is interrupted by an old man needing help with his wife's wheelchair.
• The old man, who appears frail and harmless, offers Stinky $10 to assist with pushing his wife into their disability van.
• Stinky, in a momentarily altruistic mood, initially refuses the money but then bargains for $3 as he is hungry and wishes to buy a Burger Royale from Dairy Whip.
• The old man, understanding hunger, agrees to give Stinky $3 for the good deed.