Why do I say this?

While I was up there in Canada,
I have to go through an interview at the US Consulate.

I am usually tense and panicky whenever I go to interviews,
Not to mention government officials.
But this time, I was relaxed, tranquil and calm.
Because I have all the papers I need with me.
Mine and Tyler’s.
And I have dealt with the Canadian government so many times
that this will be just a breeze.

So anyway, we got there, and of course you go through security and stuff,
Then you take a number.
When my number was called,
It says I have to go to window 3, which is at the far end of the room.

Fine.
So I grabbed all our paperwork, medical reports, security certificates,
And this big-ass X-ray film envelope that you can’t fold.

I picked up Tyler, who was trying to run away from me,
thinking it’s time to play,
I run to the said window.

Then this lady at the other side of the glass,
was gesturing to me to hurry up.

A short lady, with thick glasses,
probably of East Indian descent, with a very strong accent.
(I have nothing against them, just describing the lady for a more believable story)

She has that “annoyed” look on her face,
and kept on doing that “hurry-up” gesture with her hands.

This usually bothers me, but I let it go.

Then she started to ask for my papers, randomly.
I don’t know about you, but it’s hard to look over through papers,
With one hand, while your 16 month old kid keeps on squirming all over.
I can’t put Tyler down because he will run away and play with other people.

So she asked me, “Are all these papers yours?”
I said, “Well, me and my son. But he has dual citizenship.”
She said, “So he is American?”
“Yes Ma’am.” I replied.
“What do you want me to do then?” She said rudely.
I said, “But it says on the letter that I received,
it states that he should undergo all the necessary procedures along with mine.”

She ignored me and says,
“No, I don’t have anything to do with him.
Give me the forms that you filled out.”
Quite rudely and still doing that “hurry-up” gesture with her hands.

This usually bothers me, but this time, I let it go.
Remember, this conversation was taking place
while I kept an eye on Tyler who was playing with the lady on the next window.

I tried to sort out the papers and handed it to her.
Accidentally, I included one of Tyler’s papers.

She went ballistic!

She almost screamed and said,
“I told you I only need your papers!”
As she shoves the paper back to the window slot.

I said I was sorry, but she added,
“Next time! When I ask you for your papers, I mean just yours okay?”
in a condescending tone.

She must really think I am stupid
because whenever she tells me something or gives me instructions,
she insisted that I repeat what she said.

This usually bothers me, but this time, although my fists were clinched, I let it go.

Then she said,
“Okay, go to Windows 25, pay this fee,”
as she hands me a piece of paper,
“then come back here, I won’t be here, but leave your receipt here,
then go back to waiting area ‘C’ “.

“Okay Ma’am.” I said.
As I picked up all my papers and carried Tyler.
Then she looked at me funny, and again told me to repeat what she said.

Now, there was this evil voice inside me that didn’t want to shut up.
But, I politely did what she wanted.
I repeated what she told me. Word for word.

What I should have done,
Was to mock her and imitate her strong accent,
as I reiterate her words.

But I didn’t.
Why?
Because, I am a nice guy.

Then I learned that,
She wasn’t even the one doing the interviews.
She was just to prepare the papers.

It’s amazing how people act,
When given a little bit of power and authority.