I didn’t know why that thought popped into my head. I was out walking slowly along the deck of the ship, gazing out, the sun sparkling on the Mediterranean Sea. It was a beautiful morning. The word was more than subtle, but gentle, so as not to seem alarming except of course for the directive,”Jump.” That’s what I heard . I looked out over those peaceful flowing waves and almost hesitated. An uncomfortable, odd feeling came over me. Was that real? I shook it off as some part of my imagination and continued my first lap around the deck. The goal was to go around four times and finish a mile. My friend was sitting reading . I couldn’t help but wonder what she would think if I told her what I had experienced.
I carried a light shawl with me because the wind picked up at the front end of the ship. I had found yesterday that deck two was less crowded and had less “power walkers” so I could stroll at my leisure. The second lap I felt chilled. I stopped to put on my shawl, innocently looked out at the beautiful sea and had a vision of me falling over the side rails. The word jump again played like an echo. I felt a panic rising in the pit of my stomach. This is crazy. I’m on vacation, relaxed and HAPPY!! I’ve no reason for these thoughts and images. Queer thing, the image was not threatening either , but matter-of-fact. A kind of nonchalant expression of suicide. I’m a genuinely optimistic person and I have close relationships with family and friends. In fact the friend I’m on vacation with I’ve known since grammar school!. We’re both very fortunate to be retired and love to travel.
My kids are grown and have successful careers and wonderful families of their own. My son gave me two perfect grandchildren which I am missing very much on this Mediterranean cruise . I am looking forward to seeing them when I head back to Chicago.
So there’s no reason for this! Why is this happening? I continued, determined to keep my walk going
My friend Debbie looks up from her book and waves as I pass by to start the third lap. I wave back, heartened by the cheerfulness and normalcy of her wave. I begin humming a song to myself to fill my thoughts.
The wind has started to pick up again. I pull my shawl a little tighter and feel like I’m being pulled towards the outer railing! I reach out to a handrail on the wall and hold on. The wind dies down again. A couple coming from behind me pass me. The woman looks back and asks if I’m alright. I just nod. I’m almost back where Debbie is sitting and very unsure if I should go around the deck again to complete the mile. I walk a lot I enjoy the excercise.
Last round I decided and my right knee is letting me know that it would not be a good idea to push for more laps anyway. I passed the last turn without any problems. I finally reach Debbie and we go inside and take the elevator to the World Cafe on the 7th floor. I’m hungry I realize and very happy to be inside
Debbie finds us a table outside. As I head to the table I trip and my sandal comes off and the wind blows it towards the rail. I freeze. Fear paralyses me. Momentarily a young deckhand comes to me with my shoe. I sit down heavily and look at my friend. On her face is a look of excitement . “You won’t believe this!” she says. I’ve just finished a story about a woman who jumped over the side railing of the ship she snd her husband were sailing on for their honeymoon! He was cheating on her and she found out. Her ghost haunts the ship and she lures women to the bridge to commit suicide! She causes the wind to blow them to the rail where she pushes them into the sea. The only survivor was saved by her husband. She told him she heard someone say “Jump.” before the wind pushed her to the railing.
I hate ghost stories, but I ask if I could read it. When no one is looking I throw it over the railing.
© Jodi A