Class ended late, less time to spare, the need to walk fast. I have places to be and a certain time to get there. I am on a roll until I am stopped by a crowd of oblivious, socially unaware people. When the time comes, I am stuck behind a slow walker; I often feel fury. I feel I have as much rage as an angry storm cloud, and my face is as red as a tomato. Crowded to one side of the hallway as they have come to a complete stop. “ Excuse me” I ask just trying to push past them. No change. I ask again, “Excuse me,” until one just rolls her eyes and starts walking at a snail speed. Is it so much to ask? Is it truly an enormous task just to walk a little fast, to not stop in the middle of the hallway? 

Curiosity. I’m often too curious as to why people are unaware of how to walk. Why people decide the middle of the hallway is the best place to have a quick chat, while others are trying to get from one side to the other of an impressively sized building? Don’t they have anywhere to be?  Am I the only person who is in a rush to get to class? Do others have so much time to spare they don’t even think about others? 

Awareness. Hallway crowders are not solicitous in the slightest, clearly showing no awareness of others or their needs. The lockers scream for them to stop leaning on them. I push through the herd of people, seemingly rude, but only attempting to make it to class on time. 

But maybe there is a reason. A reason for their need to communicate at this instant, craving the communication and empathy from others. Maybe their day didn’t go as planned. They needed support from friends they never see outside of school, and crowding the hallway was truly the only option available. Maybe, just maybe, the quick chat while blocking all others brightened their day and kept them motivated.