I sit at my desk, quietly tapping away at the keyboard. I am in a computer lab, the sound of others tapping, clicking, hushed chattering, and muffled music whispers in the back of my mind. I’m able to completely focus on the task at hand and am at ease with my surroundings.
Typing away, I begin writing a new paragraph when–
ZIP. CRINKLE CRINKLE. TEAR.
SCRUNCH. GRAB. SHOVEL.
CRUNCH CRUNCH
MUNCH MUNCH
SMACK LICK
GULP.
Instantly my nerves are on edge, my mind goes wild. I somehow must stop this wretched sound…
INHALE. CRINKLE CRINKLE. SCRUNCH GRAB SHOVEL
MUNCH. CRUNCH. MUNCH.
A familiar acquaintance sitting a few seats away has stopped working to indulge herself in a little snack.
Feeling anxious, I reach into my backpack and pull out a ziploc bag of pretzels. Having previously asked, and confirmed that no one around me would be bothered if I ate, I began snacking on pretzels.
I immediately felt better.
Trying desperately to mute out the sound, I eat quicker than I probably should have. Before I know it, I have finished the entire bag.
Unfortunately, my peer is eating very slowly and still has three-fourths of her bag to go…
INHALE. CRINKLE CRINKLE. SCRUNCH GRAB SHOVEL
MUNCH. CRUNCH. MUNCH.
My headache grows stronger.
I try to ignore it. I try to ignore…
“PLEASE will you stop eating while you’re around me? Sorry, it just really bothers me.” I say somewhat politely, and somewhat irritated…
My peer turns, just realizing I am speaking to her. It takes her a moment to process what I am saying. Then…
She grins–food and all– as if to say Oh? It bothers you?
And without saying a word…
INHALE. CRINKLE CRINKLE. SCRUNCH GRAB SHOVEL
MUNCH.
CRUNCH.
MUNCH.
I feel enraged. Aggravated. Anger boiling up inside.
I bet… I bet she would take me seriously if clawed her face off…
Anxiety swarms in my brain. I’m so angry. Why must people be so disrespectful? I ask them nicely to stop and people just think it’s SO funny. They never take me seriously. I’m so angry.
At home, I can shout at my family members to get out of whatever room I’m in if I hear even a nibble. They usually listen because they see how irritated I am.
But in public? What am I supposed to do then?
I feel helpless, what am I supposed to do?