In Such Poor Health Walking Was Impossible When a Man Practically Supported Me to the Toilets.
During my my late teens, my daily commute was on an crowded coach. The vehicle was always full and would always be completely full when I boarded.
During a certain commute, I was feeling terribly ill when the coach rocked around every turn. I continuously reassured myself to persevere for a few more stops before the bus arrived at my destination, so I could then sprint quickly toward the most convenient public toilet to be sick.
We were coming down the road leading to my stop and it dawned on me I wasn’t going to hold on. Suddenly, it seemed a fog descended upon me. The world became white and really quiet; as if someone muted everything. I said to myself, “I will lose consciousness”.
Thankfully, I was positioned toward the front of the bus, so I managed several steps toward the driver and asked the driver to stop, informing him I was going to vomit. He opened the entrance and I hurriedly stepped out onto the street.
I was resolved to avoid being sick in front of a busy multi-lane road, so I forced myself up and began attempting to make my way toward the green space across the road, where I thought I’d at least be able to find some privacy near some foliage to throw up. But then I must have lost consciousness. I sensed my limbs, but I was unable to walk or see properly, leading me to start inching my way to the grassy area.
“Are you okay, dear?”
In that instant, I was lifted up. I felt someone holding me and a stranger inquired, “Are you okay, dear?” I explained to this kind passerby that I had to to get to a bathroom. Therefore, he almost helped me walk down into an adjacent building and guided me inside the women’s restroom. He inquired if I wanted him to remain with me but I refused.
After a short while, I regained my composure to the point of sitting on the restroom floor and from outside the stall I heard him ask, “Do you need anything, love? Can I get you something?” I was incapable to get up at that moment but I did succeed to thank him and after a few more minutes recovered the use of my feet. I made my way home and spent the following days healing from what was later diagnosed as a horrible case of gastroenteritis.
I never saw his features – merely his legs along with a sizable metal toolbox he had with him – but he saved me, during a time when I was completely helpless.
Frequently, society can make you defensive, aggressive and competitive. His was the sort of gesture that reverses that emotional callousness. He served as evidence that humanity’s innate tendency is towards kindness, something I love about humanity.