It's Not All Downhill From Here

Poochie lies dead in her bed. She left two notes for her friends. The first details her last wishes—to be cremated. The second note explains her decision to die by suicide rather than go through multiple surgeries and continue battling colon cancer.

Ma surprises Loretha when she visits next. She tells Loretha that Jalecia visited recently, that she looks better, and that she plans to visit Loretha soon. Loretha drives to Peggy’s house, where she discovers Jalecia is in a Pasadena hospital receiving treatment for catatonic depression. Peggy advises Loretha not to visit Jalecia in the hospital for a few days and explains that Jalecia’s illness is causing her to blame Loretha, whether she means to or not. Loretha does not take Peggy’s advice and drives to the hospital; however, they do not allow her to see Jalecia because Loretha is not on the approved visitation list.

Dr. Alexopolous chastises Loretha for not taking her health and diabetes more seriously. Loretha explains recent challenges—including her daughter’s depression—and Dr. Alexopolous recommends a psychiatrist and psychologist for Jalecia. After her appointment, Loretha drives to see Jalecia, only to discover Peggy checked her out of the hospital at Jalecia’s request. When Loretha talks to Jalecia, she gets angry and hangs up on her daughter.