Pearl has lived a secluded life with her father for as long as she can remember. Other than attending Badger Middle School, Pearl has very limited contact with the outside world. Her dad keeps her close by his side. Pearl is not allowed to attend sleepovers or parties and Dad has always taught her to be distrustful of adults. So when Dad doesn't come home one day and Pearl is left alone, she must decide: keep her life a secret and try to go it on her own? Or violate the "rule" and trust another adult to help? The school counselor, Ms. Sanchez, seems kind enough, but Pearl is still afraid. As circumstances at home force her hand, Pearl takes the leap. Together, child and counselor begin to peel back the layers of Pearl's past. Little do they know that it is Pearl herself who holds the greatest clue of all, buried in the depths of a recurring dream. A dream about a golden tree . . . and the story of King Midas.