In Such Poor Health I Couldn’t Walk When a Man Essentially Lifted Me to the Toilets.

Back when I was nineteenth year, my daily commute involved an crowded coach. It was perpetually crowded and invariably became standing room only by the time I stepped aboard.

During a certain commute, I started experiencing terribly ill as the bus swayed around every turn. I repeatedly told myself to hold on for a few more stops before the bus arrived at my destination, so I could then rush hurriedly toward the most convenient public restroom to be sick.

The bus was approaching the avenue close to the destination as it dawned on me I was unable to make it. Suddenly, it felt as if a curtain fell over me. My vision turned blank and silent; similar to when one cut the sound. My mind raced, “I am about to pass out”.

Luckily I was close to the driver of the bus, so I took a few steps to ask the driver and asked the driver to pull over, explaining to him I needed to get ill. He promptly opened the entrance and I stumbled out onto the sidewalk.

I was determined to avoid being sick before six lanes of traffic, so I gathered myself and endeavored to make my way toward the green space opposite the street, thinking I could it would allow me to secretly conceal myself among some shrubs to vomit. However I likely lost consciousness. I sensed my body but I was unable to walk or see clearly, so I started dragging myself toward my intended destination.

“Are you okay, dear?”

Right then, someone picked me up. There was an arm around my waist and a man’s voice asked, “You right, love?” I managed to tell the unknown man that I had to to vomit. Thus, he practically carried me into a nearby building and put me inside the women’s restroom. He inquired if I wanted him to stay with me but I said no.

Not long after, I felt better to the point of sitting on the restroom floor and from the other side of the stall I heard his voice asking, “Are you OK, love? Do you need anything?” I was incapable to get up at that moment but did manage to thank him and shortly thereafter recovered the use of my limbs. I made my way home and spent several days recovering from which was a severe stomach virus.

I never glimpsed that man’s face – merely his legs and the big metal toolbox he was carrying – but he saved me, when I was in my weakest state.

Many times, life has a way of making you guarded, hostile, and combative. His was the sort of gesture that melts away that emotional callousness. He demonstrated that people’s natural inclination is towards kindness, something I love in other people.