James, James, James.

The ungodly visiting Reverend has decided it's time for 7 year old James to get in the field to pick cotton. Previously, Ernestine had seduced Massa Tom into agreeing to put James in the woodshop with his brother, Sam. But this spineless mofo is so pressed to get on the good side of the preacher who doesn't even like him, that he puts James, who is probably his child, in the field.

Ernestine and Sam try to explain the rules of the field to James, who just doesn't get it. Ernestine tells him about wearing two masks, one for white folk, one got black and how even when you're mad, you can't show it. James says he never had to do that around TR, Massa Tom's son. Ernestine tries to make him understand, "things are different now."

Poor Lil James. He goes out in the field and his hands are bleeding and swollen, he’s hot, the break water is filthy so he won't drink it, which means he's dehydrated. Lawd. And he's expected to pick 300lbs* of cotton, a grown man's share. He ain't about this life. Sam, who also isn’t used to this-- he's been in the woodshop-- tries to help the baby, guiding him through the field. At the weigh in, Sam switches bags with James, who is 75lbs short, so James won't get lashes.

TR rolls up all cheery at the weigh in to see his friend. Bruh, bad timing.