In Such Poor Health Walking Was Impossible Until a Fellow Passenger Essentially Lifted Me to a Bathroom.
Back when I was nineteenth year, my daily commute meant taking an express bus. It remained full and would always be completely full when I stepped aboard.
One particular morning, I was feeling incredibly sick when the coach rocked around the bends. I continuously reassured myself to persevere just a little longer so the bus could arrived at my stop, and then I could sprint quickly for the nearest public toilet to vomit.
As we neared the street towards my stop and I understood I was unable to hold on. Suddenly, it seemed a veil came over me. Everything just went blank and silent; similar to when one cut the sound. My mind raced, “I’m going to faint”.
Thankfully, I was positioned close to the driver inside the vehicle, so I managed a few steps toward the driver and told the operator to open the doors, telling him I needed to be sick. The driver opened the entrance and I stumbled out on to the pavement.
My intention was to avoid being sick in front of six lanes of traffic, so I forced myself up and endeavored to stumble across to the park on the other side, where I believed I’d at least be able to secretly conceal myself among some shrubs to vomit. Yet I likely blacked out. I sensed my limbs, but I was unable to walk or see properly, so I began crawling towards the park.
“You right, love?”
At that moment, I was lifted up. I sensed a strong arm supporting me and a man’s voice asked, “Are you okay, dear?” I explained to this mysterious stranger that I required to vomit. Thus, he practically supported my weight into a nearby building and put me into the female bathroom. He inquired if I wanted him to remain with me but I refused.
Not long after, I felt better enough to sit on the toilet and from the other side of the door I heard him ask, “Are you feeling better, dear? Is there anything you require?” I wasn’t able to get up right away but I did succeed to thank him and shortly thereafter was able to move my feet. I made my way home and spent the following days healing from which was a nasty tummy bug.
I never saw that man’s face – only his legs and a large steelwork tools container he held – but he saved me, when I was at my most vulnerable.
Frequently, society can make you defensive, aggressive and competitive. His was the sort of gesture that reverses that protective shell. He demonstrated that humanity’s innate tendency leans toward compassion, a quality I adore about my fellow humans.