Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Pearl approached the table and noticed an unlocked diary sitting on it. She picked it up and began to read.

The elegant handwriting belonged to her mother, detailing her battle with illness. As Pearl read on, she could sense the weakening of her mother's words, reflecting her declining health.

But what struck Pearl the most were the recurring expressions of longing for her, written at the end of nearly every page.

[Pearl, my daughter. I miss and love you.]

page.

you without telling you, but I did it for your sake. You're still young, and I didn't

been the hardest yet the right choice. I chose to let go in exchange for your freedom. I'll always watch over you, even if we can't see each other again. Time is something I have very little of, and Hugo is the only one who could have changed that. So, I

has been very good to me, a true friend. She's stuck by my side with unwavering patience and has never left me. Her kindness is genuine, and I appreciate her deeply. I'm aware of her job at Dark Bar, and I silently approved because I know the place is under your care. Please, look out for her and treat her well. After I'm gone, I trust you to care for her as if she were your own sister. Finally,

tears flowed freely as she soaked the paper with her grief. She felt the weight

his childhood. Though saddened, he knew he couldn't console Pearl in the way he wished let alone the right

he could guess that Beah must have done something like ending her life given Pearl's breakdown. Quietly,

was always too worried about me." Pearl, amidst her tears, chuckled softly. "Tell me, am I too weak?" she questioned suddenly. "If I had the courage to stand up to Hugo and demand he save my mother,

her words, finding