Letting Go

As far as first experiences go, it is pretty exciting to be on a ferry bound for Osaka. The ferry's name is Sunflower but for some reason, the flower on its side is painted orange and red.

In the lobby, on the reception desk, you find a basket filled with colorful rolls of confetti tape.

You ask, "What do I do with with these?"
"Take one and go to the deck."
You're not really sure what to do but you pick one and go anyway.

The deck is a cold, dark and windy place.

The neon sign in front of you reads "Welcome to Beppu" even though you're leaving Beppu. Talk about irony.

From your vantage point on the deck, you see the cars and the city lights. You think you can also make out the dark shapes of mountains in the distance. Up above, the stars and the moon hang onto the night sky.

It was a perfect night.
Everything is in its right place.
Except you, maybe.

You make your way to the railings where everyone seems to be gathering.

There, you find out what to do with the roll of tape in your hand. You observe people holding one end of the tape and throwing the other end down onto the dock. Then, they tie the remaining end to the railing.

You watch as long trails of tape flutter in the wind.

One by one, people around you fling the tapes into the air. They look happy.

The ferry is leaving port soon.

That's when you realize that you're still clutching your own roll of tape in your hand.
It doesn't make any sense but you can't seem to do that very simple act of throwing it into the air.
You find comfort in the fact that you have something to hold on to.

There you go again. Clinging on to things longer than you should.

You are reminded of the things you've been holding on for far too long. And it's not just a roll of tape either.

Maybe it's about time you let go.

You throw it into the air at the same time the ferry starts to move.

You think you're smiling as you watch the tape unfurl.

Sometimes, all you need to do is to take that first step. Let go, be free and start a new journey.