Once in San Francisco,
Mia settles into an apartment and soon gives birth to
Pearl. She names her daughter after the child in
The Scarlet Letter—Pearl, like her namesake, has been “born into complicated circumstances. Mia signs her name on the birth certificate as Mia Warren. After leaving the hospital, Mia struggles with her new role, is regretful of having lied to the
Ryans, and even considers calling them to confess—but with the help of her landlady, she is able to get some rest, pull herself together, and care for Pearl. Her landlady continues to bring her leftovers, keeping a distant but watchful eye on her and the baby to ensure that both are thriving.