what i saw on way to mission district and back (at) home

1. A couple who sent each other “shoulder tap messages” on BART. The wife seemed blind (her eyes were closed for a long time) so I thought that was a nice non-visual way to communicate (though I thought it would be more appropriate for deaf individuals… but what do I know). But I later found out she actually wasn’t blind, and their gestures just felt mushy thereafter. I thought a lot about how context frames my thought processes, and found the real-time experience interesting.
2. A woman silently crying next to the automatic doors. Maybe in her late 50’s, early 60’s. Frizzy hair, small stature, concerned facial features, fearful eyes. Tattered handbag, dark clothing, rubber shoes. Teardrop on her nose, bloodshot eyes. I wanted to hand her some tissues (I carry a small pack everywhere—they’re more useful than you think), but couldn’t because I emptied out my pack the other day to have it exchanged today (the purpose of my trip). She exited the train soon afterward my observations, and I felt terrible.
3. People too busy to be aware of the woman because of their phones, friends, or thoughts.
4. A young white boy and a girl. Possibly teenagers. Boy had a Nike bucket hat, denim jacket, black jeans, and red old skool Vans. Don’t recall much about the girl. Their unyouthful-like silence. Maybe they were siblings.
5. An african american man with ears tucked into his baseball cap who kept checking himself out in the BART windows.
6. A girl taking stupid Snapchat selfies, furiously swiping left and right to get the Oakland city tag.
7. A guy with dreadlocks, who reminded me of the fact that I wanted dreadlocks during my high school years. A Korean kid with dreadlocks. Imagine that.
8. Well, actually.
9. Mission District, and how boring I thought it looked. Smelled a little like Korea. Made me almost not want to go back to Korea.
10. Two inebriated white dudes representing the Golden State Warriors via their t-shirts. Made me realize basketball a more integral factor to some people (much like a lifestyle) than I thought.
11. Full BART ride towards San Francisco and an empty one going back home. It’s the weekend indeed.
12. An elderly lady trying to make conversation with the AC Transit lady driver about her pasta. They surprisingly had a pretty lighthearted and heartfelt conversation over a random subject. Made me realize maybe talking is a skill that gets better over time. I felt an unspoken conversation between the two individuals, through their silences, laughs, and remarks — a silently understood communication.
13. A man checking out BBQ sauces at Safeway. I grabbed the Jack Daniel’s one and he thanked me for indirectly helping him find them. Turns out he was looking for the same ones. I told him, “Can’t go wrong with Jack Daniel’s,” and he replied back, “Unless you have too much.” I laughed at his wittiness.
14. (For those who don’t get it, he said his statement in reference to Jack Daniel’s alcohol).
15. A friend running out to say hi, who I accidentally ignored because I had earphones in. I feel as though she did that, half because she wanted to, and half because something like that happened last time (but she just screamed my name the entire time rather than coming over). I of course also ignored her then due to the very same reason mentioned above. I felt glad to have committed friends like her.
16. Daniel playing classical music on his speakers at home. It’s quite nice. Sets a pleasant tone in the apartment.