[s2e10] Mississippi: Rule

(Voice shaking)I did everything they told me to do, Clifford. I smiled. I danced. I built a whole world out of glitter just to hide the bruises.

(Stops counting, looking up)And you let that boy turn your crown into a collar. Chucalissa will raise you up, baby, but the world outside these doors? It’ll eat a pretty thing like you alive if you let it. [S2E10] Mississippi Rule

(Standing up, towering and protective)Then you listen to me very carefully. Down here in the Delta, we don't live by their rules. We live by the Mississippi Rule. KEYSHAWN And what rule is that? (Voice shaking)I did everything they told me to do, Clifford

KEYSHAWN stands by the stage door. Her makeup is flawless, but her eyes are glassy, screaming a truth her lips won't utter. I built a whole world out of glitter

UNCLE CLIFFORD sits at the bar, counting cash with razor-sharp precision.

Keyshawn stares at her reflection in the cracked bar mirror. Slowly, the fear in her eyes hardens into cold, unforgiving steel.