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."

I'll give you the time you need," James

noticed a beautiful spot by the lake earlier. How about we all

things to take care of, so I'll pass for now," James replied, his tone slightly

go

so he had to step aside to take it. In the end, only

Esther absentmindedly kicked stones into

Pearl, like a caring older sister, moved beside her and held her hand. "Can you tell me why you're

always living with worry. Her parents had been respectful but distant, which made e her fear that

deep

afraid of marriage.

future marriage could be as joyful and fulfilling as her current

like people change

married," Esther

got married, my dad changed a lot. My