Chapter 1: Stripped Bare

Last night felt like a never-ending surreal nightmare. I found out that my world had been turned upside down, and I wouldn’t be able to wear anything until I was an adult, which felt like an eternity. High school is already a social battlefield, a rite of passage everyone endures. But for me, seeing my room stripped bare by my parents last night—everything; even my top sheet and blanket, taken away because they were deemed unacceptable according to state lifestyle documents—made it so much worse. All that was left was the mattress cover and the fitted sheet to protect the mattress.

Blinding light seeped through the window as I sat on the edge of my bed, my heart heavy with frustration and sadness. I stared at my empty closet, once filled with clothes, and at my dresser drawers, now stacked empty beside it. I suppose I could have my ensuite bathroom expanded now that I no longer have any use for an empty closet. My walls are still covered with posters of my favorite bands and photos of me and my family wearing clothes, now only held memories of what used to be. I hate my life, trapped in a state of undress in a room stripped bare. The emptiness stared back at me, cold and unfeeling. I couldn’t believe how drastically things had changed overnight. Right now, I hate my parents for forcing me to give up everything that gave me comfort and protection.

For me, Danielle Fisher, it feels like I’m about to navigate an impossible obstacle course this morning without a single fiber of string to call my own, leaving my body exposed for the world to see. I am overwhelmed with hate and dread, knowing they are going to force me to endure complete humiliation and embarrassment. Last night, my parents explained the new lifestyle mandates they are following to the letter, mandates they submitted documents for without even consulting me. They believe they are doing the right thing, but to me, it feels like the deepest betrayal.

I glanced at the stack of drawers that once held piles of clothes I was no longer allowed to wear. The sight of them, now empty and useless, made a lump form in my throat. How am I supposed to face my classmates like this? The thought of attending school today, butt naked while everyone else wears full body armor, makes my stomach churn with anxiety. The contrast is unbearable; they will be protected and covered, while I am exposed and vulnerable. Just imagining their eyes on me, the whispers, and the judgmental stares— it’s too much to bear.

I remember how I used to enjoy picking out my outfits and expressing myself through my clothes. Now, that’s been stripped away from me. It feels like more than just losing my wardrobe; it’s losing a part of who I am. The idea of walking through those school doors, knowing everyone will see me in this state, fills me with dread. There’s no way I would have agreed to this if I had any say in the matter.

My parents believe they are doing the right thing by following these new lifestyle mandates, but to me, it feels like a cruel punishment. They submitted those documents to the state without even consulting me, making decisions about my life as if my feelings didn’t matter. It’s a betrayal that cuts deep. I can’t understand how they can be so blind to the humiliation and pain this causes me.

As I sit on the edge of my bed, the morning light pouring through the window, I feel a mix of anger, fear, and sadness. My room, once a sanctuary, now feels like a prison. The posters of my favorite bands and the photos of happier times on the walls mock me with memories of normalcy that have been stolen from me. The emptiness of my closet and drawers mirrors the emptiness I feel inside. Right now, I hate my parents for taking away everything that gave me comfort and protection. I don’t know how I’m going to get through this day, let alone the days to come.

Stepping into the hallway naked, I felt an acute awareness that was entirely new to me. In the past, I might occasionally dash to the bathroom without a towel, but I would never leave the bathroom without one. Now, I was completely uncomfortable as I fast-walked to the bathroom. When I spotted my dad, panic swept over me, and I slammed the door shut. I desperately wanted my parents to withdraw me from this torturous, bare lifestyle they had signed me up for.

Inside the bathroom, I wanted to scream when I saw the stack of hand towels on the counter, seriously? They expected me to dry off with just that and didn’t trust me with a full towel. After my shower, I had to make do with three hand towels, feeling utterly inadequate as I dried off. My name was called, urging me to hurry up, and I felt extremely underdressed as I texted my friend Tanta, “You wouldn’t believe what my parents signed up for. Meet me at my door, and I will tell you everything.”

I sat at the kitchen table, staring at my uneaten breakfast. My mom bustled around, humming a cheerful tune as she prepared my lunch, seemingly oblivious to my distress. The contrast between her cheerfulness and my misery made everything feel even worse.

“Mom, Dad, why can’t I just wear clothes like everyone else at school? This is so embarrassing. I’ll likely be even more of an outcast like this than I already am,” I pleaded, my voice filled with desperation.

My parents paused, looking at me with a mixture of surprise and concern. Mom spoke first, her tone gentle but firm. “Sweetheart, you know your dad and I were excited when we read about the proposed state law on pure naturism that went into effect yesterday. We’re sure that maybe not today, but in the coming days, you won’t be the only one on campus without anything on. You know that your dad and I used to enjoy practicing naturism at home when you were younger. Now, with this law, we can practice it everywhere in the state and around the country. It’s about embracing our true selves and rejecting societal constraints.”

I sighed, my shoulders slumping in defeat. Their excitement and justification only deepened my sense of isolation and frustration. While they saw this as an opportunity to return to a lifestyle they cherished, for me, it felt like a nightmare I couldn’t escape.

“But it’s so hard, Mom. You know I only have one friend, and everyone already treats me like a freak. It’s like everyone already stares at me, and I feel like an outsider. Now you expect me to be the laughing stock of the school, likely being the only one there without a lick of clothing.” My voice trembled with frustration and fear.

Mom walked over, placing a comforting hand on my shoulders. “I understand how you feel, sweetheart. Change is always hard, especially when it feels like you’re the only one going through it. But remember, this is about embracing who we truly are. It might be difficult now, but we’re hoping that, over time, others will join in, and you’ll find a community that supports you.”

Her words, meant to reassure me, felt hollow to me. The reality of facing my peers in such a vulnerable state was too overwhelming to find comfort in her optimism. I sighed again, feeling more alone than ever, despite her attempt to comfort me.

Dad said, “We know it’s tough, but remember, this lifestyle teaches strength and authenticity, as outlined in the state documents on the pure naturist lifestyle that we’ve all signed up for. You’ll understand it better as you spend more time in the raw.”

“Don’t you mean ‘You signed up for?’ I didn’t sign anything. I didn’t know anything about it until I was told to stay in the living room. I wasn’t even asked if I wanted to sign up for it,” I countered, her voice rising with each sentence.

I knew my parents always embarrassed me when Tanta was over. From my earliest memories, my parents practiced what they called a ‘home nudist lifestyle,’ until I was in my first few years of school which the state now terms ‘pure nudism’—living life entirely unclothed. This shift has turned me into a walking, blinking target in our tiny California town of Simps.

I looked at my dad, trying to find the strength he spoke of, but all I felt was dread. “Dad, you and Mom might find this freeing, but for me, it’s just another reason for everyone to make fun of me. It’s not fair.”

Mom squeezed my shoulder gently, her eyes filled with a mix of sympathy and determination. “We believe in this lifestyle and the values it promotes. We know it’s a big adjustment, but we’re here for you every step of the way.”

“Well, I don’t believe in those values. Not that you care what I believe in but I believe that I should be allowed to express myself the way I feel comfortable with; through my clothing choices,” I said to her parents.

Their words didn’t make it any easier. I could feel the weight of what lay ahead pressing down on me, and all I wanted was to escape this nightmare. But I knew there was no turning back now, not with the state mandates and my parents’ unwavering commitment to this new way of life.

As I prepared to leave for school, I took a deep breath, knowing my best friend would be at the door any second for the drive with my very naked mother, Tanta, and me. The morning light filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the kitchen, but I felt a chill of anxiety creeping up my spine. Mom mentioned that she needed to register me at school under the pure naturist lifestyle or whatever it was called. The concept still felt foreign and surreal to me that she wanted me to be naked all the time, and I couldn’t wrap my head around it.

Mom expected me to brace myself for the day ahead, completely in the nude. The intricate curves of my breasts and the exposed skin across my body were meant to symbolize freedom and self-expression, but to me, they felt like a spotlight, drawing unwanted attention. I knew it was going to be one of the hardest days of my life, but I had no choice. The reality of walking through the school halls, exposed and vulnerable, made my heart race with anxiety. My mother’s unwavering confidence only added to the pressure I felt to conform to this new lifestyle.

As I stood by the door, waiting for Tanta, I took in the details of our comfortable home one last time before stepping into what felt like another world. The familiar comfort of my surroundings contrasted sharply with the uncertainty of what lay ahead. I heard Tanta ring the doorbell, and my heart skipped a beat. This was it. There was no turning back now.

With every step I took toward the door, I silently vowed to find a way to regain my dignity and stand up for myself, no matter what. I would face my classmates and their inevitable reactions head-on. I would find strength in my vulnerability and use it to build resilience. Despite the odds stacked against me, I promised myself that I would navigate this new reality with as much grace and courage as I could muster.

As I opened the door and saw Tanta’s familiar, supportive face, I noticed her gasp of shock. A small wave of nervousness washed over me. This wasn’t going to be easy. Tanta’s initial surprise was understandable; she was greeted by my parents standing behind me, their state of undress apparent.

Before I could say anything, she asked softly, “The new law that went into effect...?” I nodded silently, and she pulled me into a hug. Feeling her warmth and the comfort of her embrace against my skin, I realized I wasn’t entirely alone in this. Her presence gave me a small measure of comfort and strength. For a brief moment, I forgot I was standing naked at the front door where anyone could see me, blocked only by my best friend’s body as we held each other.

With a deep breath, Tanta and I separated and I stepped outside, ready to face whatever the day would bring. My journey to reclaiming my sense of self and dignity had just begun.

Tanta and I live within walking distance of the high school, just about three blocks away. Until this morning, wearing clothing was never a big deal. Now, however, I faced the daunting prospect of the walk of shame after school, exposed for the whole neighborhood to see. While my feet adjusted to the heat and roughness of the sidewalk, I must admit I enjoyed the feeling of the sun on my skin and the slight breeze as it gently passed over my skin raising Goosebumps as it tickled the tiny hairs on my arms. Before going to bed last night I made sure to shave my legs and trim my pubic hair. I realized that wearing clothes allowed me the opportunity to become lax in grooming that part of my body. That ended last night when I was forced to strip naked.