A restless crowd surged forward, their bodies pressed shoulder to shoulder as they anxiously waited in line for food distributed by the diligent crew earlier. The hurried shuffling of feet stirred up a cloud of dust, rising into the warm afternoon air.
Amongst the throng, a mother and her young son stood, their progress impeded by the masses who had surged forward. Being smaller in stature and weaker in spirit, they found themselves unable to break through the human wall blocking their way.
The child's whimpering grew louder, tears streaming down his face, blending the sharp pangs of hunger with the palpable fear ignited by intimidating men who barked harshly at his mother, forbidding her from joining the line.
The mother could do nothing but cry softly, her spirit crushed under the weight of helplessness and worry.
