Don't you just love that moment when the train arrives, you forget that you are just a human being waiting for the train. Instead, you are a cheetah, ready to pounce and fight to the death for the last piece of meat. That is what it feels like when the train comes to a stop and everyone awaits the opening of the doors. At that moment in time, it's every man for himself. All focus is sharply narrowed in on the doors in front. They open...
After being pushed and shoved, I am finally safe inside the train. Now I can switch back to human form and take a deep breath. The fight is over. I survived. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot a young woman, trapped behind bars like a gazelle. She panics. She needs to swipe her ticket and break free before its too late. Everyone watches. I've now counted to ten. On any given day, the train would have been long gone. What's the delay? Part of me wants to see the gazelle break free and make it, but the other is just longing for those doors to close.
Crouched over, she rummages through her bags. Which one is the ticket in? Her breathing quickens, she is sweating. She uses one hand to wipe the sweat off her forehead and the other to tear apart her bag. The train has now been immobile for twenty counts. One hand goes shooting up into the air. She has retrieved the ticket. People start cheering her on. Gathering all her belongings off the floor, she swipes the ticket and she is free. The bars open, but alas, our doors close and she is left on the platform wiping off her sweat.
So there you have your lesson #2. Simply put, have your ticket ready before you get to the swiping station.
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