Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Pearl and Richard returned to find James had already set up a frame and started a fire with the wood they had gathered.

"Where have you guys been? Why are you back so late?" Esther hurried over, concerned that something had happened to them. After seeing that everything was fine, she sighed in relief. "Next time, don't go so far to pick up firewood. We have enough wood here."

Pearl nodded and smiled. "Got it."

They all sat around the fire, chatting and eating as it burned brightly.

Richard raised a can of beer to James and asked, "So, when are you two planning to tie the knot?"

Esther blushed. "Marriage is a little too soon for us. We're not in a hurry. I'm focused on my career, and James just recently started his law firm..."

"I didn't say it's too soon," James interjected, his tone cool.

"At twenty-two, it feels quite early," Esther admitted, a little afraid of marriage. "Besides, I'm not ready yet."

you

spot by the lake earlier. How about we all head there later to enjoy the

some things to take care of, so I'll pass for now,"

go with

aside to take it. In the end,

the lake, Esther absentmindedly kicked stones into

a caring older sister, moved beside her and held her hand. "Can you tell me why you're hesitant about marriage?" Esther remained silent for a long

mother hadn't been happy after getting married, always living with worry. Her parents had been respectful but distant, which made e her fear that marriage would extinguish

So deep down,

afraid of marriage.

future marriage could be as joyful and fulfilling

feel like

married," Esther

parents got married, my dad changed a