77 NILA You can an' I won't hear another word. But before we can put you in a pretty dress, we got to make your face look pretty too. Ma Ponk resists futilely. And Louise and Cliff gather in close to watch the transformation. MA PONK What's you gonna do? Nila starts to unpin Ma Ponk's hair. NILA You jus keep your eyes in that mirror an' you'll see what I'm gonna do. Ma Ponk's long black hair, streaked with grey, falls down her back. Nila reacts to this, drawing into a quiet nostalgic mood. She gently smooth’s Ma Ponk's hair with her hands. NILA My mama kept her hair long as this. Nila's eyes catch Ma Ponk's eyes in the mirror. And we sense a wistful sadness coming over her. A long silent moment, then: MA PONK Where is your mama? Nila takes a brush and begins to work on Ma Ponk's hair. She hesitates a moment. NILA Back home. LOUISE Where you from, Miz Nila? NILA Oh, sugar, I'm from a little wide spot in Alabama. Town not even big as Glen Allan, can you believe it? Ma Ponk has sensed Nila's changed mood. feeling something inside.
Knows she is