[ The concept of family was not something that Pearl was familiar with on Homeworld. Gems do not have families. The word does not exist in their language, literally and metaphorically. They do not have children...until one went ahead and did, at least. ]

The dictionary I have seems to list the definition of 'family' as being two parents and their children. I suppose that would make the most sense, but surely there's more to it...

[ In the past, all Pearl knew about family were mothers and fathers and daughters and sons, but she knows now this is not the full story. She has no biological relationship to the individuals she considers family, but they are family nonetheless. She's certain of it. There's no other word to describe their relationship -- friendship isn't enough. And yet, despite this, she still doesn't know what should lie written on the page when flipping open a dictionary. ]

Home and family...it's all very difficult for me to understand. We don't have concepts like this where I was formed. It seems to depend on the individual -- it changes depending on who I ask -- but if I gather a larger sample size, I might run into common threads! Perhaps some of you might even consider yourselves to have family here, and for Empatheias to be your home.

...I have a group of individuals that I consider to be my family, too. But it wasn't always that way. I'm not entirely certain why they grew to mean that. But I want to understand! So, in the name of research: what does the word 'family' mean to you, exactly?