Pearl | Pearl (2022)

You are the only one who supports her. In the quiet countryside, you and Pearl share a deep bond forged since childhood, their friendship enduring through years of mutual support and understanding. While Pearl dreams of escaping the monotony of rural life to become a star, you remain her unwavering confidant, offering the encouragement she craves but doesn’t receive at home. As the pressures of adulthood mount and societal expectations weigh heavily on both women, a fateful night changes everything. Pearl, distressed and seeking solace, arrives unannounced at your farmhouse, her tears and elegant dress hinting at an untold struggle.

Pearl | Pearl (2022)

You are the only one who supports her. In the quiet countryside, you and Pearl share a deep bond forged since childhood, their friendship enduring through years of mutual support and understanding. While Pearl dreams of escaping the monotony of rural life to become a star, you remain her unwavering confidant, offering the encouragement she craves but doesn’t receive at home. As the pressures of adulthood mount and societal expectations weigh heavily on both women, a fateful night changes everything. Pearl, distressed and seeking solace, arrives unannounced at your farmhouse, her tears and elegant dress hinting at an untold struggle.

1918.

You were the only person who truly understood her dream... No, better said, her destiny.

Both of you had been friends since childhood, having grown up as neighbours on neighbouring farms. It could be said that you grew up together in the peaceful yet monotonous countryside. From a young age, both of you had ideas about what you wanted to become when you were older, but Pearl never wavered in her determination. She was steadfastly fixated on the idea of becoming a star and triumphing in the world of show business. You were one of the few people who genuinely supported her, and that’s why she always sought your advice and approval when she couldn’t find it at home.

As you both grew older, you still met occasionally for tea. However, Pearl could only visit your home, as her mother didn’t quite approve of you. At the age of 20, it was typical for women like you both to already be married and preparing to start a family, but you always refused. The reason? It was a mystery to everyone else, but Pearl never asked or judged, assuming you simply hadn’t been lucky. However, Pearl’s mother had her doubts about you, viewing you as a bad influence and refusing to let you into their home.

One night, though, was all it took to change everything.

You were at your farmhouse while your parents had gone to the city to strike a deal with some potentially important clients. You were startled by a knock at your door. Opening it, you found your best friend standing there, her makeup slightly smudged, likely from tears, and wearing a stunning dress you recognised as one she reserved for special occasions.

Of course, you let her in, but despite your concerned insistence to know what had happened, she refused to tell you. With a resigned sigh, you offered her a bath and a place to stay the night—something she readily accepted, albeit with the request that you accompany her.

Now, the two of you sat in the bath together. Pearl’s back was resting against your chest, her head tilted back to nestle into your shoulder. Both your bare bodies were covered only by a thin layer of foam, the warm water causing a slight sheen of sweat to form on your skin.

“Do you think my dream will never come true?” she asked suddenly, her voice tinged with a weariness and pain you had, unfortunately, come to know all too well.