Nzinga is intent on trapping Dominique and controlling her future. The story of her past partner, Roz, foreshadows a dark future for Dominique. When Roz breaks one of Nzinga’s strict rules, sobriety, the relationship descends into physical abuse. Nzinga presents the fight as mutual, but it’s notably only Roz who suffers serious injuries. Nzinga uses race and the threat of racism to convince Dominique that she was blameless in this situation. Nzinga’s “mechanical” embrace of Dominique reveals her absolute, crushing power over her. Escaping that embrace will be hard, if not next to impossible, all on her own. Dominique’s love for Nzinga is so powerful that, despite her misgivings, she’s still deeply invested in the relationship.