In Such Poor Health I Was Unable to Walk When a Man Practically Supported Me to the Toilets.
During my 19 years old, my regular journey to work involved an packed public transport. It was perpetually full and was consistently without any seats when I got on.
On one specific day, I was feeling quite nauseous while the vehicle lurched around each corner. I continuously reassured myself to endure another few kilometres so the bus could got to where I needed to get off, at which point I could rush hurriedly toward the most convenient washroom to be sick.
The bus was approaching the street towards the destination as I realised I would not be to last. Suddenly, it seemed a veil came over me. The world became white and really quiet; as if someone turned off the audio. I thought, “I am about to pass out”.
Luckily I was close to the driver on the bus, so I managed a few steps toward the driver and told the operator to stop, explaining to him I was going to get ill. He promptly opened the entrance and I hurriedly stepped out onto the street.
I was resolved to not get sick in view of multiple lanes of cars, so I gathered myself and started trying to stumble to the park on the other side, thinking I could I could at least discreetly hide near some foliage to vomit. However I likely fainted. I sensed my limbs, but I was unable to walk or see clearly, so I began inching my way to my intended destination.
“You right, love?”
Right then, I was lifted up. There was an arm around my waist and heard a man say, “Are you okay, dear?” I told this mysterious stranger that I needed to be sick. Therefore, he almost helped me walk down into a close-by structure and guided me inside the women’s restroom. He asked me if I needed him to remain with me but I said no.
Not long after, I had recovered to the point of sitting on the toilet and from outside the stall I heard him inquire, “Are you OK, love? Can I get you something?” I wasn’t able to get up just then but I did succeed to say thank you and shortly thereafter was able to move my feet. I made my way home passing the following days getting over which was a nasty tummy bug.
I did not see that man’s face – only his legs and the big container for tools he held – but he saved me, during a time when I was completely helpless.
Frequently, society tends to make people guarded, hostile, and combative. His was the sort of gesture that melts away that emotional callousness. He demonstrated that humanity’s innate tendency is towards kindness, something I love about humanity.
