In Such Poor Health I Was Unable to Walk As a Stranger Practically Supported Me to a Restroom.

Back when I was my late teens, my morning travel involved an crowded coach. The vehicle was always crowded and would always be without any seats once I stepped aboard.

During a certain commute, I was feeling quite nauseous as the bus rocked around each corner. I repeatedly told myself to endure just a little longer so the bus could got to where I needed to get off, at which point I could make a mad dash to the closest public toilet to throw up.

As we neared the road leading to the stop when I understood I would not be to make it. In an instant, it felt as if a fog descended upon me. My vision turned white and really quiet; similar to when one cut the sound. I thought, “I will lose consciousness”.

Luckily I was close to the driver on the bus, so I managed several steps toward the driver and asked the driver to open the doors, informing him I was going to be sick. The driver opened the bus doors and I hurriedly stepped onto the sidewalk.

I was determined not to vomit in front of six lanes of traffic, so I picked myself up and began attempting to stumble toward the green space on the other side, where I thought I could at least find some privacy near some foliage to vomit. But then I likely fainted. I was aware of my physical self, yet I was unable to walk or see clearly, leading me to start dragging myself toward the grassy area.

“Are you okay, dear?”

Right then, I was lifted up. I felt someone holding me and a stranger inquired, “Everything alright, love?” I managed to tell the kind passerby that I required to get to a bathroom. Thus, he practically helped me walk over to a nearby building and guided me into the female bathroom. He inquired whether I required him to remain with me but I declined.

After a short while, I regained my composure sufficiently to sit on the toilet when from beyond the door came him ask, “Are you OK, love? Is there anything you require?” I wasn’t able to rise just then but I did succeed to express my gratitude and after a few more minutes recovered the use of my feet. I returned home and spent the next few days getting over what turned out to be a nasty tummy bug.

I did not see that man’s face – merely his legs and the big container for tools he was carrying – but he saved me, when I was in my weakest state.

Frequently, society has a way of making you defensive, aggressive and competitive. His was the sort of gesture that undoes that emotional callousness. He was proof that our default setting leans toward compassion, something I love in other people.