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Unsolicited

The direct message inbox was full of dick pics. It was standard Friday evening fare. Something neither welcome nor rejected. Expected but always unsolicited.

Never before had the male form caused such disgust. But upon opening that third message, the reaction was visceral. Visceral. Describing the image would only serve as a reminder but it was certainly a memory that should be forgotten.

Though unsolicited, it came with a request of reciprocity. Imagine that—the gall to expect something in return.

But there exists a gun. Well, there exists a gun at the night table as had been expressed before and a gun worn on a holster for work. And also a collection of gun show guns. And on top of all the guns, easy access to residences—by nature of work.

The previous two dick pics were impeccable. One a gif and the other a still. Both well lubricated with girth and length (and apparent heft.) No demands—just the joy of a naughty surprise. No background distractions present nor mess. And most importantly, no visible menacing strap. No holster as a reminder of that ever present gun.

Uncertain if it was a mistake or a threat, red lipstick was immediately applied and the cotton bra interchanged with lace. The camera phone was angled to perfectly capture the pout and cleavage (with just enough slip of the nip.) Snapshot after snapshot careful not to show face and off was the requested DM that was met with an unexpected shuttering.

The shuttering was a sly social media notification of a saved screenshot (now a disabled feature on the app.) Flushed with worry, a review of the pics confirmed the subject was sexy but not identifiable.

Ever the muse, these were not the first nudes. But, as professionalism dictates, the first required a signed release and with the release, confirmation when sold to a collector. A collector may or may not threaten a social worker with the release of indecent memoria but a man with a gun? Certainly. Certainly and swiftly.

The concern facilitated conversation:

‘Wow. Long.’

Only long was used as a descriptor because it was neither complimentary nor insulting—the same reasoning behind wow as a reaction. What followed was graphic and best forgotten as well. But nothing nagged more aggressively than the possibility of an impromptu visit. By nature of international circumstances, most were caged into their abodes until the risk of infection was quantifiably reduced. Until then, predator eased onto prey whoever couldn’t flee.

Googling the self produced two addresses—the current one received a takedown request that was promptly granted. The second, a previous address, was left listed as a diversion. The resident would surely notify of any attempts of trespassing.

The next step was awareness. Spreading a seed of factual information was responsible, not gossip. A noble character always warns others in danger of perpetrators of violence severe enough to merit a suspension from work—punishment for excessive force is never unwarranted. Wary are the wise.

Still, the risk remained high and a knife was procured. Yes, a knife was procured for a gun fight. A knife and a solicited roster of those that have nothing to lose.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Lisa Marie Zapata is a writer and dancer born at the border of Chinatown & the Financial District and raised in the birthplace of Frank Sinatra & baseball. She can be found on Twitter/X @LMZzz and Instagram @ellemzeee.