Pearl smiled through a lump in her throat. Things have been hard." It's hard to even say.
Pearl pulled back, her eyes glistening. "I… just needed to see you. Everything's been a little crazy lately."
Mabel's gaze sharpened with quiet wisdom. "Crazy how?"
Pearl hesitated. "There's this… thing. A situation I wasn't prepared for. One minute, I was working at the bookstore, and the next, I was on the front page of tabloids."
Mabel raised a brow, ever so slightly. "Well, that doesn't sound ordinary."
Pearl laughed softly, though her voice was tight. "It's not. I'm engaged to a man I barely know. It's complicated."
Aunt Mabel leaned back slowly, her hand still resting over Pearl's."Is he treating you right?"
Pearl nodded, eyes cast downward. "He's... complicated too. Kind. Harsh. Mysterious. He saved me, in a way. But I don't know where I stand with him—or with myself."
Mabel was quiet for a moment. She didn't want to discourage her as this might be her pathway to finding her soulmate, then said gently, "Sweetheart, life has a funny way of throwing us into stories we didn't write for ourselves. But that doesn't mean we're not meant to be there. Just remember who you are while you're playing the part."
Pearl's throat tightened. "I miss Mom."
Mabel's expression softened further. "So do I, every single day. Your mother had fire and grace in her. And you've got both—more than you realize."
Pearl blinked back the tears. "I just wish she were here. I don't know if I'm doing anything right."
"She'd be proud of you," Mabel said firmly. "You're stronger than you think. And no matter what role you're playing out there, you always have a home here."
Pearl leaned her head against Aunt Mabel's lap, letting the silence speak for her.
Just then, a gentle knock sounded on the open door, and a petite, silver-haired woman peeked in with a curious smile. She was dressed in a lavender cardigan and held a teacup in her hand.
"Am I interrupting something, Mabel?" she asked softly.
Aunt Mabel turned with a proud smile. "Not at all, Edith. Come in, come in." She motioned toward Pearl. "This is my niece, Pearl. The one I've told you about."
Edith's eyes lit up. "Oh! The Pearl. My goodness, Mabel talks about you all the time. Says you have your mother's eyes and your father's stubborn streak."
Pearl laughed, standing to offer her hand. "Nice to meet you, ma'am."
Edith waved a hand playfully. "Oh, don't 'ma'am' me. We're all friends here. Just Edith."
Mabel beamed. "Edith is my walking partner and my card game rival. Don't trust her with the deck—she cheats."
"I do not!" Edith gasped with a mock-offended look. "I'm just blessed with good luck and sharp eyes."
Pearl giggled, feeling something warm stir in her chest. It was comforting, seeing her aunt surrounded by people who brought her joy—even in a quiet place like this.
Mabel squeezed her hand. "Come lets take a stroll. I want everyone to see my beautiful niece."
Pearl nodded, feeling oddly seen—loved. "I'd love that."
Pearl linked her arm with Aunt Mabel's gently, helping her up from the cushioned chair. Her aunt's steps were slow but sure, and they walked together down the quiet hallway that smelled faintly of chamomile and antiseptic. As they stepped into the garden, a soft breeze danced through the trees, rustling the leaves and bringing with it the comforting scent of blooming marigolds and jasmine.
The garden was small but well-kept, with a stone path curving around flower beds and wooden benches under wide-branched trees. A group of elderly women sat under a parasol at a circular table, sipping tea and chatting animatedly.
"There she is!" Edith beamed, waving a gnarled hand. "And she brought the pretty one with her!"
Pearl laughed lightly as Aunt Mabel gave her a playful nudge. "Don't let Edith's flattery go to your head. She calls every young woman 'the pretty one.'"
"Only the truly pretty ones," Edith said with a wink.
Aunt Mabel introduced her to the others Edith, who was witty and loved old movies; Margaret, who'd once been a ballet dancer; and Mrs. Lorna, who didn't say much but gave Pearl a knowing smile and patted her hand fondly.
They poured her a cup of floral tea and chatted about light things—weather, music, how slow the staff were with biscuits these days. Pearl found herself relaxing more than she had in days. For a little while, the pressure of public whispers and the looming gala faded into the background. These women, with their gentle stories and wrinkled hands, reminded her of the quiet strength in simplicity. Of grounding.
Edith leaned in after a while. "You're Aunt Mabel's pride, you know. She brags about you to everyone."
Pearl flushed, and Aunt Mabel smiled serenely beside her. "It's not bragging if it's true."
Pearl squeezed her aunt's hand again, her heart a little fuller.
After some time, the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a soft amber light over the garden. Pearl checked the time and knew she had to leave before the traffic into Montelucia City thickened.
"I really should get going," she said gently, setting her empty cup down.
The women protested lightly, but Aunt Mabel patted her hand in understanding. "Go, sweetheart. But don't stay away too long next time."
Pearl hugged her tightly, resting her head against her aunt's shoulder for a brief second. "I won't. I promise."
With one last wave to the others, she made her way back toward the main building, her heart both lighter and heavier—lighter from the warmth, heavier with longing for a world that felt so far away now.
The ride back felt quieter, more reflective. She thought about everything her aunt had told her and she kept on thinking about how her life had changed in just a few days. Montelucia's glowing city lights shimmered through the cab window, but Pearl's thoughts were heavy with uncertainty and resolve.