Content Warning: This section of the guide contains references to child neglect and abuse, rape, gruesome death, sexual abuse, rape, underage sex work, substance misuse, and domestic violence.

“I didn’t know what ‘couth’ was, but if it meant you couldn’t speak your mind, I didn’t want it.”

Cupcake was always rebellious and strong-willed. Though she traces how these traits and attitudes led her to drugs and gangs, Cupcake states that they are also her greatest strengths. Cupcake’s story of Persecution, Survival, and Transformation was only possible because of the person she always was.

“Nothing in this world is free.”

One of the first hard lessons that Cupcake learned after her mother died was that she would have to work for everything she wanted. Additionally, she was taught never to give anyone anything they didn’t pay for. This damaging mentality followed Cupcake for much of her life, until she found people who accepted her just as she was.

“They may have suspected they were getting to me, but I sho as hell wasn’t gon’ show it.”

Cupcake’s use of language changes throughout her autobiography and matches the current attitude and lifestyle she is describing. As she falls further into street life, her inner thoughts shift toward slang. For most of her life, Cupcake refused to be vulnerable or to ask for help, and this protective stance led to years of struggling with addiction. In recovery, Cupcake had to learn to overcome her fear of vulnerability. All of this illustrates her journey of Developing, Experiencing, and Overcoming Addiction.