Uncle En's casual chat

Three things happened in the past two days, which were somewhat touching. After much thought, the Bridge District might be a suitable place to jot down a few notes.

The first thing was being yelled at by a delivery guy in a mall elevator, "Hurry up!"

I thought about retorting, but as the words reached my lips, many thoughts flashed through my mind. I didn't speak, nor did I look at the delivery guy. I felt somewhat helpless and a bit down.

The delivery guy might just be tired, or perhaps in a hurry. After all, my slow pace did affect him.

The burdens of life are suffocating many people. Him yelling might just be an emotional release, but what can be done?

Some might also say the delivery guy's manners are lacking.

But upon careful consideration, if I retort and the situation escalates, neither he nor I would gain anything. Or if he apologizes or stays silent, do I "win"?

It seems in this situation, neither he, I, nor even the people in the elevator are winners. Perhaps everyone is a loser.

But I am powerless to change anything.

The second thing was a rare bus ride. I got splashed all over at the bus stop. Watching the engineering dispatch vehicle suddenly swerve and speed towards the lane next to the stop, I couldn't even use my umbrella in time to block it. I was thoroughly soaked.

I thought, maybe the driver needed to turn right and didn't mean to splash me, or was it just pure mischief?

The road is also bumpy and quite old. Should I blame the city's engineering department?

But what can I do? Just go back and change my clothes.

The third thing was visiting a place. Upon reaching the entrance, I was scrutinized by a staff member and then told that this place required a reservation.

I naturally knew a reservation was needed and had made one in advance.

Another staff member then told me, no bags allowed inside, no photography allowed.

Having a security scanner but not allowing a small bag, perhaps to reduce security pressure. The no photography rule surprised me a bit.

I just skimmed through the place and came out in half an hour because every room had security, and the atmosphere was really oppressive.

It made me involuntarily think of a few years ago when major hospitals suddenly started having entrance security.

Maybe the intention is good, but it seems the bad guys can never be caught all, or maybe new bad guys appear all the time?

These three things, or rather many things, give me a sense of powerlessness. I can't do anything, just silently accept.

Can't see clearly what's happening, let alone change anything.