In Such Poor Health I Was Unable to Walk As a Stranger Essentially Lifted Me to the Toilets.

At the age of 19 years old, my regular journey to work was on an crowded coach. The vehicle was always crowded and would always be without any seats once I got on.

On one specific day, I began feeling quite nauseous when the coach rocked around every turn. I repeatedly told myself to persevere for a few more stops so the bus could reached my destination, and then I could rush hurriedly to the closest public toilet to be sick.

The bus was approaching the road leading to the destination as I realised I was unable to hold on. In an instant, it felt as if a veil came over me. My vision turned hazy and muffled; like someone had muted everything. My mind raced, “I will lose consciousness”.

Thankfully, I was positioned near the front of the bus, allowing me to take several steps toward the driver and asked the driver to stop, informing him I was going to vomit. He promptly opened the bus doors and I weakly exited onto the sidewalk.

I was determined to not get sick before a busy multi-lane road, so I gathered myself and started trying to stumble toward the green space opposite the street, thinking I could I’d at least be able to discreetly hide among some shrubs to vomit. But then I likely lost consciousness. I was aware of my physical self, yet I was unable to walk or see clearly, so I began dragging myself toward my intended destination.

“Everything alright, love?”

In that instant, someone picked me up. There was an arm around my waist and a stranger inquired, “You right, love?” I told this mysterious stranger that I had to to vomit. Therefore, he almost supported my weight into an adjacent building and put me into the female bathroom. He asked me whether I required him to remain with me but I refused.

After a short while, I felt better sufficiently to sit on the restroom floor when from beyond the door I heard him inquire, “Are you feeling better, dear? Is there anything you require?” I wasn’t able to rise just then but I was able to thank him and following a brief period was able to move my feet. I got myself home and spent several days getting over what was later diagnosed as a horrible case of gastroenteritis.

I never glimpsed his features – merely his legs and the big steelwork tools container he was carrying – yet he rescued me, when I was completely helpless.

Often this world can make you self-protective, pushy, and rivalrous. His was the sort of gesture that melts away that protective shell. He was proof that our default setting is towards kindness, a quality I adore about my fellow humans.