The line started moving
before I was ready.
People closing gaps
without looking up.
I stepped ahead late.
The man behind me
bumped my shoulder lightly.
Didn’t apologize.
I checked the board again.
Same number.
Same direction.
Still felt like I missed something.
The woman at the counter
waved me up next.
I looked behind me once
to make sure.
No one else moved.
I walked forward anyway.
Some moments
don’t feel earned—
they arrive
while you’re still waiting
for someone
to tell you it’s your turn.