Swift River

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of substance use, racism, graphic violence, death, sexual content, and child sexual abuse.



Shelly picks Diamond up for their last driving session, during which they intend to return to the house of the Black family they previously saw. However, when she gets the car, Diamond is surprised to find that Mr. Jimmy and Shelly are not alone: There is a man with them. Ma also sees the car and accuses Diamond of keeping secrets; she does not believe that these are her co-workers from the Tee Pee Motel picking her up. Before she leaves, Diamond gives Ma a letter from Lena offering to testify in court on their behalf. Ma is hurt that Diamond is in contact with Lena.

Rick, the man in the car, was a student of Mr. Jimmy’s and is several years older than Diamond. The four head to the Putt Around for some mini golf. While they play, Shelly confesses that she told Mr. Jimmy about her and Diamond’s secret plan to leave for Florida. Shelly later admits that her mother will not let them stay with her and she plans to go with Mr.