Happy Land

Nikki decides to go back to DC the next day. She tries to make excuses about the cost of changing her flight, but she knows deep down that she is running away.

Nikki invites Mama over so that she can tell her about Mother Rita. She had lied to her about where she was, telling her that she was at a conference. When she tells Mama the truth, she is shocked when Mama has no reaction. Instead, Mama asks how her mother is doing. Nikki tells her about the cancer and the eviction notice. Mama reacts angrily, questioning why the Thomas family would be interested in the land now. When Nikki asks her why she would keep their family apart for so long, Mama begins to cry as she apologizes.

The next day, Nikki goes back to work. She is determined to convince her client to lower the price of the house she is trying to sell. Her ex-husband, Darius, works with her; they have remained friends and co-parents since their divorce six years ago.

Darius asks Nikki what is wrong, as he can tell that she seems “sad.” She tells him the story of her trip to North Carolina and Mother Rita’s fight for the land.