Pearl followed Blake into Ezra's backyard, paying little mind to the earlier gossip, focused instead on what lay ahead.

Contrary to her expectations, Ezra's backyard was rather modest, not the grandeur she had imagined. It felt oddly familiar, though it was her first time there. Then it clicked-Beah's place seemed to be designed the same way.

As they ventured deeper, the foliage grew denser, nearly obstructing their path. Blake pointed at a house by the wall. "Grandfather's in there. Knock three times when you enter."

Pearl nodded, sensing it was probably Ezra's rule.

"I'll wait out here. Best if I don't go in," Blake added hastily, itching to leave.

was taken aback by

not in the mood to see me. I'll

understood. Rather than press

on the ornate wooden door, Pearl heard a gruff voice from inside. "Leave me

sensed he was fine. "It's Pearl,"

a moment before

expected, Blake had been right. Ezra really wished

into the room, Pearl found Ezra seated on the bed, looking worn with

Pearl greeted

won't call me grandfather," Ezra remarked sadly, frowning in grief when he mentioned Beah, who had passed away. "They're two separate matters." Pearl held firm. She didn't feel obligated to

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