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We’re a few months away from Erid, and I’ve started spending most of my time sleeping to try and fight off the constant hunger. Which is probably why it takes me a few days to notice that Rocky’s occasionally been covering himself in some strange shiny fabric.
“What’s that?” I finally ask.
“Clothes,” Rocky says. He sounds glum.
So far, the only clothes I’ve seen Rocky wear are ceremonial clothing to celebrate. But those looked more elaborate. What he’s wearing now seems simpler. “What’s the occasion?”
“No occasion. I am practicing,” Rocky says glumly. “Have to wear clothes all the time when we are on Erid.”
“Like ceremonial clothes to celebrate that you’re back?”
“No…” Rocky hesitates. “Just normal clothes. Like yours.”
I tilt my head. “But I’ve never seen you wear anything other than for celebrations.”
Rocky sways a little. “I was alone for a long time on my ship and… no clothing is much more comfortable.”
I stare at him with dawning horror. “So, you’ve just been naked this whole time?”
“It is not a big deal!” Rocky says. “You were fine with it the whole journey.”
“That’s because I thought Eridians didn’t wear clothing!” I say.
“You should try being naked. It is very nice,” Rocky says.
I sit down and put my face in my hands. “Oh my god, I can’t believe I’ve been rooming with a nudist.”
Rocky pushes himself up excitedly. “I can tell the Eridians it is part of human culture and I am not wearing clothes to make you comfortable.”
“I’m not taking off my clothes for you, Rocky.”
“Please, question? It will be fun. Like a prank.”
“No!”