Sumire, sensing the need to assert herself, replied firmly, "I'm sure it is, but I'm really not interested." She subtly shifted her weight, ready to leave the conversation.
"Give me a call if you change your mind. You'd make a good model," the artist persisted, holding out a small card with one of his paintings printed on it.
Sumire felt a surge of panic. She couldn't raise her hands to take the card, and refusing it outright would not only seem rude but could also lead to uncomfortable questions. The thought of revealing her bondage made her heart race, especially with people nearby who might overhear. Caught in a moment of paralyzed fear, time seemed to slow down as she struggled to decide what to do. Then, almost without thinking, she heard herself say, "I'm afraid my arms don't work very well. Could you put it in my fingers?"