She Goes Back, And Finishes.

Alice awoke, groggily accustoming to her surroundings. She felt bare skin rub against the sheets, confirming she was still naked. She sat up in her bed, and rubbed her eyes. A stomach grumble shook her, loudly declaring her hunger. Alice stood up, and looked around the room for a mini-fridge, or a snack of some kind. Her eyes fell on the security cameras, showing all the rooms were empty, and the remainder of the building too. She realized she might be alone, and hoped her aunt was upstairs, in her living space.

Nervously, she walked over to the door and unlocked it. She peeked around the corner both ways, confirming there wasn’t anyone in the hallways despite having seen none on camera. Alice nervously covered herself with her hands, shielding her front from any onlookers. She walked timidly to the front counter, which was before the stairs.

Just as Alice was about to head upstairs, she heard the front door ring open. Alice turned around, fear in her eyes.

“Hey, I brought some food!” Aunt Steph said with a wave. She carried a bag with two sandwiches inside, beaming a smile towards a blushing Alice.

~~

“You know where to go right? No sense in getting lost.” Aunt Steph asked concernedly.

“Yes. Down Ruth Street, take a right at the gas station, and follow that road until I get there.” Alice said, mostly reminding herself where she was supposed to go. She opened the front door, nervously checking the street for any late-night joggers.

“Alright. Well, take care! And be safe!” Aunt Steph said, waving in Alice’s direction as she ran down the street.

Alice’s walk was surprisingly uneventful. She went behind the gas station, so the employees wouldn’t see her, but she didn’t run into anyone along the way to her grandmother’s house. Alice thanked every divine being she could think of for her one piece of good fortune throughout the day.

As Alice came into view of her grandmother’s house shortly after an hour later, she found her mom sitting on the front porch, gnawing her teeth. As soon as Alice came over the hill, her mom sighed deeply, thankful to see her daughter safe.

“Where were you?! It’s been almost half a day, you had me worried sick!” Alice’s mom yelled angrily.

“I couldn’t help it! I tried to take a shortcut through the woods, and met this girl named Kristen. When we tried crossing the river, we got washed downstream all the way into town. I had to hide out at aunt Steph’s until things calmed down.” Alice explained quickly, as her mom angrily stomped towards her. She hugged her hand tighter to her body, both ashamed and afraid. Instead of berating her further, Alice felt arms wrap around her. She was pulled towards her mother, in a protective hug.

“I’m just glad your ok.” She said quietly, smiling.

After a brief moment, Alice coughed. “Mom. I uh... I’m still...” she stammered. Alice blushed, and looked at the ground shyly.

Alice’s mom opened her eyes, and looked down. She quickly let go, stifling a laugh. “Oh. Sorry, I forgot. One last thing. Can you go stand over by the front door real quick?” Alice’s mom said, pointing towards the porch.

Alice rolled her eyes. “Why?” She asked, as she walked over to the front door. Once she reached the steps, she turned towards her mom awaiting an answer.

Alice’s mom had brandished an older flash camera, and was pointing it towards her with a grin. “Say cheese!” She said slyly.

Alice opened her mouth in shock, as a flash blinded her. Her mom began rapidly taking photos, laughing wickedly. “Mom!” Alice said shocked. She quickly ran away, and hid in the bush.

Alice’s mom laughed non-stop. “You should have seen your face! It was priceless!” She said between fits of giggling. Eventually, she put the camera behind her back, and held her hands up. “I’m done now, it’s just to remember the occasion.” She said innocently.

Alice heard that, and immediately wanted to tell her to get rid of the photos. But something inside her told her to forget them, that it didn’t matter anyway. She shyly walked out of the bushes, making her way towards the car. “Let’s go home.” She said blankly.

~~

Alice’s grandmother held a photo given to her shortly before her daughter left. Her granddaughter, Alice, stood naked and shocked on the front porch of her home. She laughed lightly. Slowly, she made her way over to a book titled “Family Memories” which was torn around the edges. She flipped to a specific page, who’s label read “Women’s Tradition.” Inside, several other photos were contained, dating all the way back to her own mother, the first one to start the tradition. All of the women were standing on the front porch, covering their nudity with nothing but their bare hands. Almost all looked extremely embarrassed, blushing or appearing surprised. Others seemed confident, smiling a wide smile or making a silly face. She placed the photo in her hand in an empty spot, and smiled happily to herself.

Author’s Note:

Thanks for reading, feel free to contribute to this story at any point or recommend alternative outcomes. Any feedback is always appreciated.