Amelia started growing pearls when she was 12 years old. Every month, a crop of lovely pearls breaks forth from her back's skin. Denise, her mother, believes her daughter is blessed and sells the pearls to make ends meet. Amelia considers her situation to be a curse. Her body hurts and her skin becomes heated as the pearls form. The pearl harvest provides short relief from the discomfort, but it leaves scars on her back. Denise keeps Amelia hidden from the rest of the world, fearful that her ability would be found and she will be kidnapped for the money she can offer. Amelia, now a young lady, understands she has been kidnapped by her mother and plots her escape. She discovers a new home as she runs away from home.