In chapter 7 of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Rowdy responds furiously to Junior's resolution to transfer to another school and says Junior is teasing him. When Junior gently taps Rowdy’s shoulder, Rowdy hits him. Rowdy responds in this manner since he does not want to accept the reality that his closest companion is leaving the institution and gets mad.

The day after making up his mind to move to Reardan, Junior stumbles on Rowdy in the Wellpinit play area and informs him he is moving to Reardan. Rowdy feels it is a wicked prank and begins to get angry. Junior advises Rowdy to move with him, however, Rowdy detests Reardan. Reardan is the first school to have thrashed their eighth grade basketball team, and Reardan defeated their soccer and baseball teams as well.

Rowdy becomes cognizant of Junior’s sincerity and turns his back on him. Junior lays his hand on Rowdy’s shoulder, and Rowdy pushes him. Rowdy labels Junior a “retarded fag” and Junior replies that he had broken his heart. Junior informs Rowdy to go with him and pats Rowdy’s shoulder once more. Rowdy strikes Junior’s face, and, as he’s lying down, Junior becomes fully aware that Rowdy has turned into his worst enemy.