My sister told me I became a ‘willing prey’

Last week I was strolling through a park in Taipei when a local man stopped me. He asked if I could help with his project, assuring me it would only take a short time. As everyone I’d encountered in the city had been so friendly, my usual caution went away. My mind automatically assumed it was for some university assignment, so I agreed.

At first, the instructions seemed harmless. He had me walk, make small hops, and move in circles. It felt almost playful, but then he asked to film my feet. That’s when a sense of unease began to settle in. I foolishly brushed it aside, convincing myself it was still part of the project.

My sister told me I became a willing prey. Now that it’s all over, I do agree and can’t shake the feeling that I might have become a willing participant in something I didn’t fully grasp. The thought of being involved with someone who may have had a foot fetish makes me uncomfortable. It’s unsettling to think I completely let my guard down but maybe it’s because this place felt so welcoming. I am also mad at myself for not even asking for his portfolio in the first place. Now I’m left wondering what to do with this strange experience. I guess I’m gonna have to tap into my vigilant self honed by my experiences living in a third world country.