Feeling defeated, Van goes to the principal’s office and confesses to smoking. In a twist of dark irony, the principal tells her that the drug tests were actually just a formality—the school didn't even have the budget to process them. However, because Van to using an illegal substance, the principal has no choice but to fire her. The Final Sight

In of Atlanta , titled " Value ," the story shifts focus from Earn to Van (Vanessa) , exploring her struggle to balance personal freedom with the responsibilities of motherhood and a professional career. The Night Before

: She sifts through her daughter Lottie’s old diapers to find "clean" infant urine.

The next morning, Van is horrified to receive a phone reminder that she has a at the school where she works. Desperate to keep her job, she contacts Alfred ("Paper Boi") for help, but he tells her he can't find clean urine on such short notice.