Bully takes up too much head space

I’m looking for an eraser.

Not the kind you can find in an office supply store.

I’m not sure if something like this exists, but the eraser I need is for my mind.

Friday evening, Husband, Pup and I went out for what felt like a magical evening.

We rode in Husband’s prized boat to a restaurant about 20 minutes away.

We enjoyed some fish and shrimp while Pup gobbled up treats and compliments from fellow diners.

We were almost back to our dock when seemingly out of nowhere a man in a small fishing boat came whizzing up from behind. We figured it must be someone friendly since that is all we’ve encountered in our new home.

This was not the case. The guy instantly began yelling profanities, calling us strange names. He was so irate it was difficult to understand what he was upset about.

We managed to decipher that he felt we had ridden too fast past his dock.

This seemed odd to us as we had purposely driven slowly a good 200 feet away from any docks, double the state standard.

He wasn’t having any explanation.

He wasn’t having anything. We said, “Got it. Have a good evening,” and kept on our way.

He refused to leave us alone, threatening to report us, then trying to pick a cross-boat fist fight with Husband.

I stood in the middle of that. He threatened to follow us home.

When I whipped out my phone and started recording video, he eventually backed down some. “This time, I’m letting you off with a warning!” as if he was a fake cop.

He finally stopped trying to block our boat and jetted off in the opposite direction.

It was scary and shocking. I keep going over and over the incident.

What we could’ve said.

What I will say the next time we run into this jerk.

The tape has run as I try to go to sleep.

During waking hours.

And yes, even as I write this. This, I realize, is the power of bullies.

The whole thing lasted maybe four minutes, yet in my mind it keeps going on for days.

That jerk didn’t keep running the tape.

I continue to.

Do you understand this, Dear Reader, the power we give up to bullies?

This is why I’m looking for that eraser.

There is a good chance we will see the guy again. We need to pass his area to get out to big water.

The goal is to deal with him then.

For now, he needs to get out of my head.

Truthfully, he doesn’t deserve space in this column.

But you do, Dear Reader. As with so many things, I thought you might relate.

Maybe together we can resolve to kick the jerks out.

No one invited them in for their disagreeable few moments.

They are no longer welcome to take up more space in our minds.

Let’s use our horsepower to erase them out to sea.