It's Not All Downhill From Here

During regular visits, Loretha’s mother asks about her diabetes and how she cares for herself. Ma has watched too many people pass away because of preventable problems. When her mother asks about the advice mailings, Loretha expresses happiness in receiving them.

Peggy calls Loretha before sunrise, asking for money to help care for Jalecia. Jalecia is spending a lot of time with a problematic boyfriend and drinking. Loretha wants Jalecia to call her, but Peggy responds that Jalecia fears Loretha’s judgment. Loretha struggles with this news, but in the morning, she travels to the local drugstore to send the money. When she arrives, she realizes she does not have Peggy’s phone number and cannot finish the transfer.

A few days later, Peggy calls back and accuses Loretha of not caring about Jalecia. When Loretha explains that Peggy’s number is blocked and she cannot transfer the money without it, Peggy gives Loretha her phone number but then asks for more money than the initial request.

While Loretha looks at a potential new storefront, she talks on the phone with Korynthia, who is considering moving to San Diego to be closer to her family. Her son left his rehab program and immediately relapsed, but now he is returning and committing to recovery.