my phone beeped in an almost deserted train compartment. my boss, 'where have you reached?' I sighed and replied, 'should reach in 5' (would reach in 20) same old dance to the tune of corporate slavery.
a sharp sound, I looked up. the sound dissolved into a fit of giggles.
a group of kids playing around, teasing, their mother close by; a hawker, selling trinkets in the train.
it looked so natural. a working mum looking after her kids while on the job (doesn't work that way does it? guess they didn't have anywhere safe without her)
I couldn't look away.
it was such a sight... torn, tattered clothes dirt and mud all over and those innocent giggles; it didn't add up.
I was tired, aching, infatuating about sleep; feet bleeding in killer heels, rushing around without purpose, forced into an exploitative overtime job by myself; frustrated, trying to keep up with society.
the little family calm, collected; torn, tattered smiles held with grace, facing their exploitative poverty with innocent mischief and honest labour.
confused, I had a thought: that's the life they've known, this is the life I've known. we fit in our lives... differently?
no... we fit in different lives in the same way. I struggle she struggles, we both have good bad days.
I didn't realize I was smiling till she smiled back.
I bought something and got off at the next stop, wishing she has more good days than bad and the kids keep their giggles a little longer than they can..