Yesterday, the heat index reported triple digits. Everyone was sweltering. Even critters were panting and holding onto any structure that promised dry, cool and tolerable friction. The Red Line experienced massive delays due to a bent rail that literally popped out of alignment from the heat. At least that was what I heard from the chorus of people who passed it down the platform line. Did I bother to double check? Nope. It wasn’t a jumper and it wasn’t a bomb. What to worry about?
Had the misfortune of getting in a railcar with no AC. People were drenched but stoic. It was not surprising to expect tempers to be at boiling point, but the crowd was pleasantly mollified. One could hear occasional grumblings of discontent, but for the most part people were resigned to the latest catastrophe and were just concentrating on not losing any more bodily fluids to the thick ether. Despite the crush, people were careful not to physically rub against each other. The malodor meter was thankfully on the low end, and there was a lack of obtrusive backpacks to jab or elbow. All in all, the ride was almost pleasant!
Electronic devices helped a lot. People were busy texting, typing, talking, shopping, playing games, reading, etc. The claustrophobic conditions offered a safe cocoon for the thumb tribes oblivious to the world, deterring any thievery and promoting subtle advertisement for mostly Google and Apple products. Individuals who had companions whiled the time away with mundane conversation, occasionally interrupted by apologetic updates from the conductor. The railcar I was on finally passed the particular track that was being repaired. Metro workers in their bright vests were diligently working. If I was hot, I can only imagine how they felt under those hard hats and steel-toed shoes. The materials they were surrounded with reminded me of giant Lego blocks and Duck Tape rolls.
When all was said and done, everyone present, including passengers and Metro personnel, acted their parts in a most civilized and orchestrated manner. It was a DC Metro classic!
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