Sonder - n. the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.
Peridot sat on the beach. Her hands were buried in the damp sand as she collected her thoughts, running them over again and again in her mind. How the crystal gems acted towards her, how they discussed Rose Quartz' practices, Steven's practices. She just didn't see the appeal.
Amethyst stepped outside on the porch, and saw the green gem sitting in the sand all alone, and decided to go and sit with her.
"Hey, peridactyl. What's on your mind?" Amethyst asked calmly, plopping herself down in the sand beside her.
"I'm merely processing my experience with you 'crystal gems'. If you don't mind, I'd like to-"
"It's a lot more different on homeworld, isn't it?" Amethyst interrupted her with a soft voice, and Peridot responded with a surprised stare.
"Well you wouldn't know, you never got to see it, I assume." Peridot huffed smugly. Amethyst sighed in slight annoyance, which confused Peridot even further.
"What? What did I say?" She asked cluelessly, Amethyst chuckled quietly.
"You know, it would be a lot easier if you just…let go of homeworld…forget it exists." She instructed, and Peridot rolled her eyes.
"Why would I do that. What purpose would that serve me?" The green gem looked back out onto the horizon, smiling slightly.
"Well..their ideals. They don't give gems a chance to live. All they do is serve."
"Exactly, we're made to serve." Peridot answered, quick as a whip.
"You're missing the point. I'm just saying, we're alive and have feelings, we're not objects." She growled lowly, and Peridot turned to her.
"Well, of course…we…are.." She said as she stared down at the sand.
"Amethyst! Clean up this motor oil this instant!" Pearl yelled from the porch, walking back into the house and shaking her head. The purple gem stood up and waved.
"Gotta go, Peri." She laughed, and walked back towards the house. Peridot had never thought about it before. Sure, she could feel bad about herself, but… everyone was hurt by the way the diamonds treated them. That Jade she'd witnessed being shattered right in front of her for mixing up an order, that Lapis Lazuli that had breached protocol. Lapis…how she'd been imprisoned for so long.
Peridot stared back out into the ocean as the sky was painted with hues of orange pink and purple, distorted as it was reflected in the water. Maybe Rose Quartz had the right idea.