Chapter 3: Redefining Normal

As we prepared to head to the airport, a flurry of thoughts raced through my mind. What would Eliana be like? Would she share Middies’ confidence and coolness, or would she be entirely different, someone with whom I had nothing in common? Would she even like it here? More pressing was the question of whether I could handle living with someone who seemed to be replacing my sister.

These thoughts swirled around as I packed my backpack for the drive. Part of me wanted to embrace this as an exciting new adventure. After all, how many people got the chance to live with someone from another country for an entire year? But another part of me felt like I was on the verge of losing something significant—something I wasn’t ready to part with.

In just an hour, we’d be at the airport, welcoming Eliana Vasilieva into our home. A stranger from Kalvovia was about to become a part of my world, and whether I liked it or not, this year was bound to be unforgettable—for reasons I hadn’t anticipated.

Horizon Pines, where we lived, was a quiet, family-oriented suburb just east of Denver. Known for its clean, grid-like neighborhoods, local parks, and small-town charm, it attracted commuters who worked in the city but preferred the calm of suburban life. The town had a quaint, slightly dated downtown with a few local shops and diners, though most residents drove into Denver for major shopping or entertainment. Surrounding fields and farmland gave a sense of openness, even as the expanding metropolitan area threatened to turn Horizon Pines into just another Denver suburb.

Standing with my parents outside the international flight security checkpoint at Denver International Airport, I braced myself for the change none of us could fully anticipate. The airport was a hive of activity, with travelers rushing to and from their gates, clutching bags, sipping coffee, and checking their phones. The diverse crowd moved with the strange rhythm of airport life.

Yet today, a peculiar detail stood out more than usual: an unusual amount of nudity. I wasn’t completely unfamiliar with the oddities of public spaces, but the sight of so much exposure heightened my discomfort. The stark contrast between my expectations and the reality I was witnessing made everything feel even more disorienting.

The hum of the airport buzzed around me—muffled announcements, rolling luggage, and the rhythmic clatter of footsteps. My anxiety climbed with every passing second. The terminal’s cool air did little to ease the heat that flushed my cheeks as I focused on the crowd of travelers spilling out from the gate.

Then, I saw her.

Eliana Vasilieva emerged into view, holding a sign with her name on it. The sight was nothing short of shocking—she was completely naked, save for a small bag draped over her shoulder. My heart skipped a beat. For a moment, I was paralyzed, my mind racing with a storm of embarrassment and confusion. How could this be happening? The bustling airport seemed to fall silent around me; the only sound was my frantic heartbeat.

I glanced at my parents, desperately seeking a sign of action, some indication that this was not as it seemed. My mother’s face was a mask of composure, her polite smile unwavering as she looked at Eliana. My father, standing beside her, maintained a stoic calm that belied my rising panic. It was as if their composure was in direct contrast to my internal chaos.