Paradise of Peace

Paradise of Peace IV

I sat, uncomfortably on a cold metal bench, while scrolling through my phone to limit social awkwardness. A stressed looking business man sat on the other end of the bench, it seemed like not sitting right next to a stranger was a social convention. I suppose it is human nature to avoid unfamiliarity and uncertainty.I pushed my bag off the seat next to me, another social convention. The stranger looked at me then pulled out his phone and started scrolling through whatever interested him, just like I was. My parents texted me, telling me they would be home late. Excitement welled up in me, getting the house all to myself was something I enjoyed. Humans are exhausting.I then heard a distant rumble of an approaching the train, slowly invading the piercing silence of the underground train station. I slung my bag on one shoulder and walked to the edge of the station, in anticipation of a train suddenly emerging from a dark, endless tunnel.In a few moments, I saw the front of the train slowly fade into the darkness of the tunnel and within moments, it shredded the peace of the station. The foreground of the platform soon was crowded with stressed and impatient civilians, each attempting to push others aside. When the doors opened, it was pure havoc, like hell has just broken loose, a large cohort of people were trying to exit the train and twice that amount was trying to enter, at the same time.Soon, I was on the train, that was packed with people, like a can of sardines. With every turn and acceleration, the whole carriage swayed precariously. I felt like it was on the verge of derailing but clearly, it did not.After a whole 20 minutes, the carriage cleared up. From what seemed like hundreds diminished into around 10. There was even space for me to sit down on one of the yellow plastic seats. I swear I would never look underneath those, it was just a minefield of chewed gum, like the undersides of the desks at school.I rested my head against the smooth metal handrail. The coldness felt like spears against my cheek.Its all over now, I can finally relax.I vehemently sighed, its been a long month.Finally, the train pulled into my station, I abruptly stood, swaying as I felt slightly light headed and dizzy. I went up the escalator in a trance of exhaustion. Finally, I reached the glass sliding doors that swiftly glided open for me as I approached it.The sky was painted with grey clouds, not a single wisp of sunlight to be seen. The light shower brushed against my hair as infinitesimal sized droplets floated gracefully to the ground.The cool breeze whipped my face, awakening me from an eternal void of nausea and exhaustion.Awakening me.And at that moment, I knew it was all over, all the sleepless nights and thoughtless days. Finally.