Epilogue

Need to thank Megansdad for drafting and editing

The warm afternoon sun kissed my skin as I stepped out of the school building, a strange sense of calm settling over me. The whispers and stares that had followed me all day now felt distant, their weight lifting with every step away from the building. For the first time, I wasn’t rushing to cover myself or hide; I walked out with my head held high.

Near the fountain in front of the school, Elaina stood waiting, her blonde hair shimmering in the light. She was as carefree and confident as always, her lack of clothing a natural extension of who she was. When she saw me, her face broke into a wide smile.

“Hey, Sophia!” she called, waving enthusiastically. “Looks like today’s been ... interesting?”

I laughed, joining her by the fountain. “You could say that. Want to grab a snack on the way home? I’m starving.”

“Absolutely,” she said, looping her arm through mine as we started walking toward the convenience store down the street.

We reached the small store, its air conditioning blasting us as we stepped inside. The cashier gave us a curious glance, but Elaina’s relaxed demeanor made it easy to ignore. We browsed the shelves, picking out a few snacks and drinks, and paid without much fuss. Outside, the sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting everything in a warm, golden glow.

As we made our way home, Elaina broke the companionable silence. “So,” she began, glancing sideways at me, “not that I’m complaining about the solidarity, but I’m curious—why are you naked? It’s not exactly common around here.”

I took a sip of my drink, gathering my thoughts. “It’s ... a long story,” I admitted. “These rumors were going around about me. They were stupid, but they made things hard. And then today in gym class, Coach Zhang—well, she gave me a challenge. She thought facing my fear head-on might help me take back control.”

Elaina nodded thoughtfully, her expression kind. “That’s interesting. You know, for me, nudity is just ... normal. It’s all I’ve ever known. Where I come from, it’s just how we live—laws, culture, everything. It’s hard for me to imagine feeling nervous or embarrassed about it, but I know it’s different here.”

I looked at her, marveling at her calm acceptance. “You’ve never been embarrassed? Not even once?”

She shook her head, smiling softly. “Never. I grew up this way. To me, being naked isn’t something to feel proud or ashamed of—it just is. But I can see how much this means to you. It’s a choice you made for yourself, and that’s what’s powerful.”

Her words settled over me like a blanket of reassurance. “It’s strange,” I admitted. “I thought it would be unbearable, but it’s been ... freeing. Like I’m letting go of all the things that used to hold me back.”

“That makes sense,” she said, her voice warm. “Sometimes, doing something that feels completely out of the ordinary can help you find clarity. It sounds like you’re discovering what nudity means for you, and that’s beautiful.”

I smiled, grateful for her perspective. Elaina’s upbringing was so different from mine, but her understanding made me feel less alone. As we walked the final stretch to my house, the afternoon warmed my bare skin, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I was on solid ground.

The front door creaked open as Elaina and I stepped into the house, the warm scent of lavender and roasted chicken greeting us. Mom was in the kitchen, her back to us as she stirred something on the stove. When she turned around and caught sight of us, her eyebrow shot up in surprise.

“Sophia,” she said, her tone hovering between confusion and amusement. “You’re ... uh, naked?”

Elaina gave her a friendly wave, completely unbothered. “Hi, Mrs. Hanson!”

Mom tilted her head, her gaze flicking between the two of us. “Alright, girls. Let’s sit down at the table. I think I need to hear this story.”

Elaina and I exchanged a glance, and I followed her to the kitchen table. We sat across from Mom, who leaned on her elbows, clearly waiting for an explanation.