I was supposed to do civil work after I finished college.
Civil work is done in any organization or association.
You follow up on the activities done every month and do some paperwork.

I was responsible for a literacy program with a charity association that had a religious background.
It was conducted in something similar to a basement, away from the rest of the association’s programs.
The association’s offices were on the second floor.

One day, I wanted to finish some paperwork from the association’s office.
They were distributing ration supplies that day.
Tea, sugar, and oil every month for divorcees, widowers, and guardians.
The association provides these people with free supplies as a form of charity.
That day was extremely crowded.

It was packed.
The women’s line extended from the street until the office doors inside the building.
I wasn’t there to get any supplies.
I just needed a signature on my documents.
I was standing in front, before it got too crowded.
I was the first in line, right in front of the door.

The employee responsible for distributing the supplies came out of the office.
He wanted to pass through the women’s line.
He didn’t want to accidentally touch anyone,
So he made his way out using his elbows.
Unfortunately, I was the first in line.
He elbowed past me.
But it wasn’t my body that he elbowed.
It was my neck.
It was forceful enough that I almost fell on the woman standing behind me.

I felt sorry for myself.
I wasn’t there for the supplies.
I was there to finish paperwork.
I felt sorry for all the people who were standing there.
Why should a person be punished, just because they can’t provide for themselves?
Why should they be humiliated just because they’re in need of some free supplies?

I felt humiliated.
I cried.
Why would he do that?
Is it because women are weak?
Why not speak up instead of elbowing your way through?
“Make way for me. I want to pass through.”
Why is using force easier?