The Distant Elevator and the Distance of Compassion

Yesterday, on my way to an appointment, I twisted my ankle.
The asphalt was uneven, and it buckled inward.

It didn't hurt that much, so I decided,
“My destination is an acupuncture clinic anyway, so I'll just keep going!”

While having acupuncture and moxibustion applied to my whole body, which felt wonderful,
I also had my foot treated.

*

However, after the treatment, walking became increasingly difficult, so I consulted Copilot, the AI, at the nearest station and headed home using a route that would minimize walking.

What I thought at Iidabashi Station, where I had to transfer, was,

“The elevator is just too far away!”

There were escalators before I reached it, and while I hesitated, thinking, “Should I just take one?”, I didn't know the route after getting off the escalator, so I headed for the elevator while feeling anxious and lost.

Still...

It's a mystery why the elevator, which is supposed to be for ease and comfort, is so far away!

While I'm grateful for the vertical movement, I wonder if something can be done about the distance it takes to get there?

Is it because it was added later to an old building? Or is it because escalators are prioritized to handle large numbers of commuters and students?

Considering that it is used by various people, such as those with temporary injuries like me, those in wheelchairs, those pushing strollers, the elderly, and those who are ill, what can be done to make it even a little more comfortable?

I felt like I understood, just a little, why my mother, who has knee pain, doesn't want to go on trips.

*

When I tweeted about my sprain on social media, many people, including those who had experienced it themselves, were worried about me. My husband, who considers himself 'used to injuries' from his rugby days, was more visibly kind than when I am sick.

And, when I was seeing a mental health clinic a long time ago and expressed my frustration at not being understood by my family, my doctor asked, “By the way, have you ever broken a bone?” When I answered, “No,” he said, “The pain of a fracture is something only those who have broken one can understand.”

Last night, I fell asleep while thinking about such things.

*

I had my foot treated at the acupuncture clinic that same day, and after returning home, I applied a cold compress and took it easy. Thanks to that, when I woke up this morning, the pain had eased significantly.

However, even after the pain and inconvenience have faded, I want to keep holding onto
the feeling of trying to understand even if I don't fully understand
and
the feeling of wanting to ask if I don't understand
without forgetting them.

Because no one knows when they might find themselves in trouble with something again, right? ^^

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