J Train Commute

People riding the J and M trains in this part of Brooklyn seem to be more detached from and unaware of their surroundings than the people I see on other trains.

We're above ground on these lines and cell service is strong. People frantically smash away at Facebook and Instagram knowing that the signal will be lost once we hit Essex Street and go underground.

When going the other way on this line, everybody quickly pulls out their phone as we emerge from darkness on to the Williamsburg Bridge. The cars then buzz with post workday chatter about endured office drama and upcoming evening plans. 

This kid in the middle didn't budge when the woman on his right sat down in the narrow space he left. Maybe he didn't notice. 

I don't blame her for having that expression on her face.