Curate, connect, and discover
I was riding the train back home from an exhausting day at work. I haven’t been wearing the compulsory hijab for months and today was no exception. At some point I stood on my tiptoes to see the station sign outside. There were two young men standing next to me, talking to each other. One facing me and the other with his back to me. Our eyes met for the briefest moment before I looked away.
I had taken my glasses off because my eyes were so tired and I was staring blearily at nothing when the guy facing me held his phone in front of my face. He was showing me a pic of a white background with some words on it. I tried to read the words with my poor sight. Thankfully the font was big enough for me to read the words. ‘چقد کیوتی تو’ (you’re so cute). I smiled. I found this simple, silent act so nice and kind. We didn’t exchange one word for the rest of the ride. He probably shows that pic to everyone who’s not wearing hijab and is fighting against the oppressive Islamic regime. Whatever the intent, the gesture warmed my heart and I felt slightly less alone.