Happy Land

Veronica “Nikki” Lovejoy-Berry visits her grandmother, Mother Rita, in the mountains of Zirconia, North Carolina. It is the first time she has visited her grandmother’s home, where her mother also grew up. Mother Rita called Nikki and told her that she needed her help, which Nikki found unusual. Nikki is feeling adrift in life: She has not sold a house in months and is no longer enjoying being a real estate agent.

Mother Rita’s home is old and in need of external repairs, but the inside is immaculately clean and decorated. Mother Rita cooks Nikki beans, then goes out into the yard to work to allow Nikki to get comfortable.

Nikki gets settled in her room, which used to be her mother’s when she was little. She thinks of how her mother has not spoken to Mother Rita in years, but Nikki has no idea why. She is determined to find out on her visit.

That afternoon, Mother Rita asks Nikki questions about Mama, Nikki’s mother. Nikki can tell that Mother Rita misses her but is too stubborn to call her after what happened between them.

Mother Rita asks Nikki if she ever reads. Embarrassed, Nikki admits that she can’t remember the last book she read.