The streets of the city pulse to life as ferries glide along turquoise waters and monorails hum overhead. Schoolgirls in vibrant crop tops and low-rise slacks chatter on their way to the tram station, their midriffs gleaming in the early light. The air is fragrant with sea salt and hibiscus, and banners featuring stylized belly buttons flutter from lamp posts, celebrating Bellya’s National Belly Festival week.
A group of friends gather near the fountain—Lina, a confident senior with a star-shaped belly button piercing, adjusts her backpack and laughs as Mira, the shy new transfer, nervously tugs at her crop top. "Don’t worry, Mira! Everyone was nervous their first day, but you look amazing," Lina reassures her, beaming. "It’s just so different from home. I’ve never worn anything like this to school before," Mira replies, glancing around at the other students.
Their teacher, Ms. Talia, a poised woman in a flowing cropped blouse, begins the morning greeting. "Let’s begin with our daily celebration—everyone, a round of applause for the proud bellies of Bellya!" The class claps and laughs, a ritual meant to start the day with confidence and unity. Lina glances at Mira, giving her a thumbs-up as Mira tentatively joins the applause.
Mira tries a bite of seaweed rice from Lina’s lunch and giggles as a teacher passes, complimenting her on her confidence. "See? You’re blending right in," Lina teases, nudging her friend. "Maybe it’s not so strange after all. Everyone’s so proud, it’s actually… fun?" Mira admits, watching the dancers twirl with radiant smiles.
Lina leads Mira to the Bellyan Literature Club, where students discuss famous poems about self-expression and pride. Ms. Talia reads aloud from a beloved novel: "In Bellya, our hearts and bellies are open to the sun and to each other." The group reflects on how the law, once strange to some, has fostered a culture of openness and acceptance.
Mira pauses on a bridge overlooking the harbor, smiling as she remembers the day. Lina stands beside her, arms stretched wide, feeling the breeze on her skin. "I think I’m beginning to understand Bellya," Mira says softly. "Welcome home, Mira," Lina replies, and together they gaze at the moonlit waves, proud and unafraid.
