"i need you to stand right there."
he pointed to the the square in the middle of the room.
his friends were over.

she was naked
and ashamed
and alone in a room full of artists who critiqued her imperfections.

"don't worry, love
they won't touch you."
but he went out for paint later that evening.

he left her alone but somehow she felt safer with his friends.
she didn't love them, she didn't long for their approval.

and regardless of the approval or lack thereof,
she was less afraid.