Maria Heredia

We Have a Dream. Runner-Up in We Have a Dream Challenge.

As soon as the subway doors slide open, the game is afoot. Civility is the only thing preventing commuters from stampeding inside the metro like wild beasts. Instead, they wait patiently, feigning a tolerance they do not feel, as the passengers inside vacate the train at what feels like an impossibly slow speed. From the corner of their eye, they size the competition and ask themselves critical questions, such as: "How close are the nearest available seats to me?" and "Will I have enough time to squeeze past the woman with the stroller and the guy with the bike before that group of teenagers takes over the entire compartment?" After all, securing a seat during a long commute can make the difference between a blissful ride and a stress inducing one.