2021: Nudis Teen

When we finally got out, shivering and laughing, Leo handed me my hoodie without a word. We walked home dripping, sneakers squelching, not needing to name what had changed.

It started as a stupid joke — skinny-dipping after midnight. Leo triple-dog-dared me, and I wasn't about to back down. The lake was black glass under a half moon, the air still thick from July's heat. Clothes hit the dock in a heap. Then, water. Cold enough to steal my breath, warm enough not to kill me. nudis teen

Some dares aren't about proving you're brave. They're about remembering you're alive. When we finally got out, shivering and laughing,

The Dare