Inherent Sexism, Careless Assumptions

As a matter of interest, let us look into the bucket of Surfing-With-Whales.

Two small leatherjackets. Not much of a catch.

Not much of a catch, dear, says Mrs Swales.

Mum! says Surfing-With-Whales. You haven't seen what I just threw back in.

What was that, dear? asks Mrs Swales.

Coupl'a Old Wives, says Surfing-With-Whales, gritting his teeth against the wind.

I never understood why they were called that, says Mrs Swales.

A fisher person standing within earshot butts in.

They're called that because of the sound they make when you pull the hook out, says the fisher person.

And what sound is that? asks Mrs Swales.

A sucking sound like false teeth, kind of, says the fisher person. Also, they're poison.

Shh! says another hooded fisher person, from further away.

Well dear, whispers Mrs Swales, I just came out here to let you now you've had a phone call.

Who from? whispers Surfing-With-Whales.

That nice Bunny, says Mrs Swales.

Unni, says Surfing-With-Whales.

He has bittersweet memories of Unni.

What did she want? asks Surfing-With-Whales.

Don't know, you'll have to call her, says Mrs Swales vaguely.

She wanders back down the jetty.

She sees the twin backs of Freud and Katherine, in the gloom.

She ignores them, as you do old wet people.

The old wet people are cold. The wind is freshening.

They get into Katherine's car.

She turns on the heater.

This won't do, says Freud. I wonder if we could find accommodation at this late hour?

Mrs Swales' car is parked next to Katherine's.

Mrs Swales gets into her car.

She is thinking about inherent sexism in fish names.

Then she thinks of her own careless assumptions.

She glances across at the car next to her, with its rapidly steaming up windows.

She gets out of her car, and knocks on the door.