On Being Really Irritated on the Spirit of Tasmania [FreeWrite - Murder]

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She stands against the wet and cold railing staring at the wake that folds like wet junk mail in the wind behind the ferry, wondering if anyone would see her fall. What would it take to move one's legs up and over and leap into the strait? What would it be like to flail around in the icy ocean and disappear into the big blue? Would she try to keep her head above water or would she allow the waves to suck her under? Would the sharks come sooner or later?

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Not the wake from the Spirit of Tasmania

Anything would be better than being inside the ferry. The relentless chill tunes designed to create an ambience only set her nerves on edge. The cleaner was diligent, but fucking annoying. Anyone would think that no one cleaned pre COVID, because now it was a badge of honour for companies such as this to wipe and spray, vaccuum and sweep, as if the pandemic could be kept at bay with obsessive compulsions. She wondered and how he could bear an eight hour shift and not realise how perhaps picking up the fucking chairs and not scraping them across the floor might be better. But then no one seemed to care about anyone else anymore.

One point five metres distant, her ass. To the right, a teenager sat sullenly with the paper mask around his chin whilst his parents nodded into their coca colas. A toddler screamed around the corner, his sea legs better than the parents who reeled after him, unconcerned about how their child might be affecting the childless passengers who would much rather a little peace and quiet, thankyou very much. She didn't care why the laws for social distancing existed, but she did think they were a silver lining. If only people would obey such directives.

And so, the deck, and the cold water spray on her face as she breathed out thoughts of murder and drowning. Soon, she would be on land, and thinking better ways to travel.

This was written to vent, taking the 'murder' prompt from this post in the Freewrite single prompt option. Given the fact I've been on this ferry all day, I'm sure you can forgive me for my clear irritation despite trying to breath and show a little compassion for those on the same journey as me. I assure you I feel a lot more kindness than my alter ego in this post would suggest. But writing about irritation and murder is far more fun.

With Love,

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18 comments
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I think that our nerves are more on edge since the pandemic struck. I'm no Karen, but seeing a mask under chins or under the nose it's enough to make want to lock myseful up 'cause it triggers my ocd. Either wear it well or don't wear it at all, unless you're trying to make a point, then it's all good 😄

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Yes, I think my OCD is triggered too.. I hate public spaces like that at the best of times. I actually tend NOT to wear a mask as it makes me anxious and being asthmatic I start getting breathless and panicky, but in the close confines of the ferry I was definitely wearing one as I did NOT want to get ill! Gross.

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Gross.

I live in a condo, so you can imagine how fun it is to be in close quarter with people. When the pandemic began, I read up on how viruses can get transmitted. I've never worried about such things before. Through the course of my research, I learned that even when we're breathing normally, little particles come out of our mouths, spread through the air, and enter each other. So with or without a pandemic, it's still gross. Unless you like each other, then it's interesting :)

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It's kinda fascinating, right? If you THINK about it, you don't even open a public door without using your elbow. The pandemic made us all hyper aware! I love the thought of us all sharing the same cosmic breath, but in actuality, ewwwwwww.

We have always lived far from people so no chance of inhaling other people's ew-iness. Yet I'm happy to swap spit with nearest and dearest.

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I'm happy to swap spit with nearest and dearest

Now you're getting into girl cooties territory. Dangerous!

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Hypersensitivosaurus sure can relate to and empathize with this, if he'd be in a similar situation.

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Yes. . and we like people but loath them at the same time 😂

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Your writing reads as fluid as the waters around you , very smooth and readable, Nice!

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Oh no, you're homeward bound already? I hope your trip was not cut short for some reason. And how was Tasmania? Still thinking about moving there?

I know, public transport sucks, and that ferry ride sounds like an eternity. (Honestly, I never always assumed Tasmania was closer to the Australian mainland.)

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We were there nearly three weeks. No joy on property yet, so this may be a long game.

Yeah Tassie is a 3 hr flight or long ferry trip! You can sail or kayak via strategic island hopping in good weather if you are brave.

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Brave? Kayaking would be suicidal! Lived in Tassie for over 10 years. Like going back for a visit now and again but too cold for me.

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Lol yeah I'd never do it but people do!!

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Kayaking to Tassie! Oh wow, sounds like a crazy challenge. Though it sure beats flying or taking the ferry. But now I hear it's suicidal... As far as ferries go, on the BC Ferry to Vancouver Island I had this idea how cool it would be to experience the trip on a kayak or a small boat. Taking the NZ Interislander was a whole nother matter. But now it sounds like Tassie is even further out still.

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Here you go @aussiegold @stortebeker

https://beaumiles.com/films/bass-by-kayak/

I love Beau Miles, he does crazy adventures and great films.

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That is interesting. Thanks for sharing the link.

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Hope you enjoy - he's quite the entertaining film maker.

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All rightey! This is very cool. Awakening the desire for adventure...!

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