Gemotions

The photographer, a friend of a friend, had assured her. “Just a little exposure,” he’d said. “Wonderful for your portfolio.” Now, the photographs, the intimate ones, were splashed across the giant billboard overlooking the freeway. Her face, her body, her life laid bare for the rush-hour traffic to scrutinize.

She hunched her shoulders, pulling her scarf higher, as if that could somehow shield her. Cars whizzed past, headlights briefly illuminating the image before vanishing into the distance. A wave of nausea rolled over her. She felt exposed, violated, as if the billboard was a giant, accusing finger pointing directly at her.