I Was So Ill I Was Unable to Walk As a Stranger Practically Supported Me to the Toilets.
Back when I was 19 years old, my regular journey to work involved an express bus. It was perpetually crowded and would always be without any seats by the time I stepped aboard.
During a certain commute, I was feeling quite nauseous while the vehicle rocked around the bends. I continuously reassured myself to endure for a few more stops before the bus reached my stop, at which point I could make a mad dash toward the most convenient public toilet to throw up.
We were coming down the road leading to the destination as it dawned on me I would not be to make it. All of a sudden, it was like a curtain fell over me. My vision turned white and really quiet; as if someone muted everything. I thought, “I’m going to faint”.
Fortunately, I stood near the front inside the vehicle, allowing me to take a few steps toward the driver and requested that the driver to stop, telling him I was going to vomit. He promptly opened the entrance and I stumbled out onto the sidewalk.
My intention was to not get sick in front of multiple lanes of cars, so I forced myself up and began attempting to walk toward the green space on the other side, where I believed I’d at least be able to find some privacy among some shrubs to be sick. But then I apparently blacked out. I could feel my body but I couldn’t walk or see clearly, leading me to start crawling towards my intended destination.
“Everything alright, love?”
In that instant, I got scooped up. I felt a strong arm supporting me and a man’s voice asked, “Everything alright, love?” I told this mysterious stranger that I had to to get to a bathroom. So he virtually carried me over to a close-by structure and guided me into the female bathroom. He inquired whether I required him to remain with me but I refused.
Not long after, I had recovered sufficiently to sit on the restroom floor and from outside the stall I heard him inquire, “Do you need anything, love? Is there anything you require?” I wasn’t able to get up at that moment but did manage to thank him and shortly thereafter regained the function of my legs. I got myself home and spent several days getting over what turned out to be a nasty tummy bug.
I did not see his features – merely his legs along with a sizable steelwork tools container he held – but he saved me, at a moment I was completely helpless.
Many times, life can make you defensive, aggressive and competitive. His was the sort of gesture that melts away that protective shell. He was proof that people’s natural inclination is towards kindness, a trait I cherish in other people.
