Part Two: December 31, 1973 Summary

On New Year's Eve, Bart drives to Wally's party. Two blocks away, his hand goes into his overcoat to find a small foil pouch, marveling at how small it is. Surely something so little wouldn't be too terrible. He takes the mescaline, then is joined by Tina Howard Wallace. Wally joins them outside, thrilled that Bart attended. Wally Hamner knows how to throw a party, and even has a theory built around party size and the inevitability he calls the Pleasure Principle. Mary sees him and introduces the man she's been dancing with as Dick Jackson. Mary leaves for the kitchen, and Dick's wife comes over looking for a bathroom. He shows her where it is, leaving Bart there just as the mescaline is starting to unravel his brain. From then on, some words amuse him to no end...