Melodies in the Wind

Curtains are Paper Thin

The sun was setting over Beach City, casting a warm, golden hue across the sand and sea. The air buzzed with excitement as townspeople gathered around an impromptu stage set up on the beach. Tonight, a new talent was set to perform, and whispers of anticipation floated through the crowd.

It wasn't usual for anyone out of town to perform anywhere near beach city, so a lot of the town was curious to see what was to happen tonight.

At the edge of the crowd, Pearl stood with Garnet and Amethyst, her arms crossed and her gaze fixed on the stage. Steven was running around, handing out flyers and encouraging everyone to attend. Despite his enthusiasm, Pearl felt a tinge of anxiety she couldn't quite place.

"What's her name again?" Amethyst asked, stretching lazily.

"Amara Anson," Steven replied, bouncing back to his friends. "Everyone's been talking about her. They say she's amazing!"

Garnet adjusted her visor, her expression unreadable. "Let's see if she lives up to the hype."

The lights dimmed, and the crowd hushed as a figure emerged from behind the curtain. Amara Anson stepped into the spotlight, her presence immediately commanding attention. She was tall and graceful, with a serene aura that seemed to envelop her. Her long, flowing hair cascaded down her back, and she wore a simple yet elegant outfit that shimmered in the fading light.

Holding a guitar in her hands, she began to sing,

"The mornin' sun
Shines on your skin
'Cause your white curtains
They are, paper thin"

Pearl's breath caught in her throat as she stared at Amara. There was something achingly familiar about her, something that tugged at the edges of her memory.

"Windows open
I can feel the breeze
But we're safe here
Under the sheets"

The first notes of Amara's song floated into the air, a haunting melody that seemed to resonate with the very soul of the beach. Her voice was clear and pure, carrying a healing warmth that wrapped around the listeners like a comforting embrace. The crowd was entranced, swaying gently to the music.

Pearl's eyes widened as she took in the sight of the gem on Amara's chest. A milky quartz, glowing softly in time with the music. Memories surged forward, of a tiny girl with a similar gem, lost so many years ago.

"Could it be...?" Pearl whispered, her voice trembling with hope and disbelief.

Garnet and Amethyst turned to her, confusion evident on their faces. "What is it, Pearl?" Garnet asked, her deep voice steady.

"That gem... I've seen it before," Pearl said, her eyes never leaving Amara. "I think... I think she might be the child Rose and I found all those years ago."

Amethyst looked back at the stage, her casual demeanor giving way to curiosity. "You mean the kid who got lost? No way. I thought she was dead."

That earned Amethyst a very slow head turn from Garnet.

Amara's song continued, her voice weaving a tapestry of emotion that seemed to touch everyone in the audience. She closed her eyes, pouring her heart into the performance, unaware of the drama unfolding just beyond the stage lights.

As the final notes of her song faded into the night, the crowd erupted into applause. Amara opened her eyes and smiled, a shy, genuine expression that lit up her face. She bowed gracefully and stepped back, preparing to leave the stage.

As the crowd began to whisper, clap, and disperse, she walked off of the stage and Pearl began to hesitantly walk to the back of the stage.

There was a line of people between pearl, and the child she lost years ago.

Before she could disappear, Pearl pushed through the crowd, her heart pounding. "Amara!" she called out, her voice breaking slightly.

Amara paused, turning towards the voice. Her eyes met Pearl's, and a flicker of recognition passed over her features. Pearl reached past the crowd making it only a few feet away from her.

"It's you," Pearl said softly, her voice full of wonder. "We thought we lost you forever."

Garnet and Amethyst caught up, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. Steven, who had been watching from a distance, ran over, sensing the importance of the moment.

Amara stepped down from the stage, her movements slow and hesitant. "Do I... know you?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Pearl nodded, tears finally spilling over. "Yes, Amara. You're home."

The realization hit Amara like a wave, and she stumbled slightly, her eyes filling with tears. "Pearl?" She reached out, and Pearl took her hand, pulling her into a tight embrace. The small crowd surrounding them, sensing the emotional reunion, began to disperse quietly, leaving the Crystal Gems and Amara in a bubble of their own.

Garnet placed a hand on Amara's shoulder, her touch gentle and reassuring. "Welcome back," she said simply.

Amethyst grinned, her eyes twinkling. "Looks like our family just got a little bigger." She whispered to Steven.

Steven, his heart swelling with joy, stepped forward and smiled up at Amara. "Hi, I'm Steven. I guess we're family now."

Amara had a slightly shocked expression on her face as she looked around at the faces of the Crystal Gems, feeling a warmth and connection she hadn't known she was missing. "Oh lord," she whispered, her voice full of emotion. "I, thank whatever force led me here."

As the last light of the sun dipped below the horizon, Pearl and Amara began to quietly talk on the beach, as Amara and Pearl had a lot to catch up on.

But will she be able to stay?