Pearl and Rose lay on a hill, with a tree above them full of cherry blossoms. They watched the blossoms dance in the air like a ballerina, as the blossoms slowly landed to the ground. The colours in the tree had vibrant shades of pink, Pearl's favourite colour, and she giggled at the sight of the cherry blossoms looking so beautiful and alive. Pearl was 9 years old, and she loved everything about the tree. It was just such a wonder to look at!

Rose got up to her feet, and helped Pearl up too. She was still bedazzled by all of the colourful cherry blossoms.

"Rose, the tree looks so pretty!" Pearl exclaimed in her cheery voice.

Rose smiled at her. "Yes, it's a very beautiful tree, isn't it?"

Rose then grabbed a cherry blossom that was floating in the wind and tucked it in Pearl's hair. Pearl giggled again, blushing a pretty shade of aqua.

"So, let's start with trying to get your gem to work," Rose said, "I'm sure it'll work this time!"

Pearl groaned in annoyance, the blush fading. "But I'm never gonna learn how to use my gem!"

Rose put a hand on the 9 year old's shoulder, causing her to look up at Rose.

"Don't ever say that, you can. I know you can."

That lifted Pearl's spirits, and she smiled brightly, "Okay, I'll do it!"

"Whenever you're ready, Pearl."

Pearl squinted and grunted, doing her absolute hardest to get her gem to work. Her fists clenched and her knuckles turned white. Her gem started to glow, and she opened one eye to look at it. Her grin grew super wide at the sight, but then her gem stopped glowing in a millisecond. Her smile faded and she grimaced. She sat back down and leaned against the tree, a disappointed look on her face.

"Cheer up, Pearl.."

Rose sat down beside Pearl, rubbing her back affectionately.

"No! I never get it right! Amethyst and Garnet already learned how to use theirs, why can't I?"

Rose fell silent for a moment.

"Some people just bloom later than others. All it means is that you're a late bloomer. But that never means that you'll never get it."

Pearl warmly smiled at Rose, and cuddled up next to her.

"Okay, I'll get it next time!" Pearl exclaimed. She then yawned and fell asleep on Rose.

After a few minutes of silence, Rose ran her fingers through Pearl's hair.

"My pearl,

you're wonderful.."