Melodies in the Wind

Discord in Harmony?

The gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore provided a serene backdrop as the last of the daylight faded. Amara woke up to the first light of dawn streaming through her apartment window, casting a warm glow across the room. She stretched and took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of anticipation and excitement for the day ahead. Her apartment, though modest, had quickly become a sanctuary filled with trinkets and memories from her past and present.

After a quick breakfast, she headed to the Beach City boardwalk. The salty breeze and rhythmic crashing of waves had a calming effect on her. As she walked, she hummed a tune, her mind wandering back to the events of the previous few days. It was something hard for her to understand. Being alone for so long made it odd seeing people who appreciated her presence on the daily. She still felt a pang of doubt occasionally, but the support from Steven and the others bolstered her confidence.

She had no specific destination but she passed by Greg Universe's car wash. Greg had become a good friend, sharing stories about Rose Quartz and offering guidance on everything from music to life in Beach City. As she approached, she saw Greg bent over an old van, humming a tune as he worked.

"Morning, Greg," she called out.

"Oh hello Amara, what can I do for you?"

"Nothing, would you mind if we talked for a minute though, you don't seem too busy." She found Greg was often sitting on a camping chair beside his van with a guitar in his hands. It sadly seemed like it was a rare occurrence for him to have any customers.

"Of course, whenever you need Amara, Universe is here to help!"

Amara stifled a giggle and sat on the trunk of Greg's van.

"I know this is a stupid question, please don't make fun of me for it, but, do you know if Pearl, like, talked about me at all or... y'know, searched for me?"

"Of course she did! She tried her best to find you as soon as you disappeared, but with Steven still being so young, she felt like she had to try to let you go and focus on him as he was technically the only thing Rose left behind."

"Do you think I'm intruding at all? I feel like the gems and Steven have this nice family and I feel like I just appeared one day."

"You shouldn't have to feel like that kiddo. I promise you that you don't have to feel like that, but it's probably something you can't help. All the gems gladly let you in, at least from what I heard."

"You knew Rose well, yes?" Amara asked kicking her legs back and forth in frustration.

"Yes I did, I knew her very well."

"I feel so bad that Steven never knew her. I wish I knew her more and I was kept beside her for what? 5 years? But I can barely remember anything about her."

"I know, it was a hard loss for me as well as Pearl. Steven asks me about her pretty frequently. And if you want you can ask me too. I know Rose looked at you like her own, so I hope I can eventually be someone you at least feel safe talking with. Do you mind if I ask how did you get here, your what 17? Were you not in an orphanage?"

"Oh I was! It's just I ran away as soon as I turned 16. But I made way for myself, obviously, with my music and I just began to travel around, alone, for a year.."

"I'm sorry you were alone for so long."

"Oh no! It's alright, I didn't mind, it could be rough sure, but it brought me back here so, I think that's a good thing."

"I think it is too Amara."

—————

Later, after hanging out with Greg more, she walked over to the temple, and as she walked up the stairs she couldn't help but feel slightly anxious. She always felt like this around the gems now. It was like she felt just slightly out of place, like a puzzle put hat was supposed to fit but and single corner of it had been chipped and bent, so now it couldn't quite sit correctly.