In 1981, a young Mia begins studying at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where she meets the captivating photographer Pauline Hawthorne. Struggling to pay her tuition, Mia makes a decision that will change the course of her entire life. Meanwhile, in Ohio, a young Elena questions past choices as she adjusts to life with a fourth child.

Elena's bombshell reveal to Pearl threatens to forever damage Pearl's relationship with her mother. Moody feels betrayed when he discovers Trip and Pearl's secret. And the jury's divisive verdict triggers a series of catastrophic events, which leads three of our characters to leave Shaker Heights for good.