I Was So Ill I Couldn’t Walk As a Stranger Practically Supported Me to a Restroom.

Back when I was 19 years old, my daily commute involved an packed public transport. The vehicle was always crowded and invariably became without any seats by the time I boarded.

On one specific day, I was feeling incredibly sick when the coach swayed around the bends. I continuously reassured myself to endure for a few more stops so the bus could reached where I needed to get off, and then I could sprint quickly to the closest public restroom to vomit.

As we neared the street towards the stop when it dawned on me I was unable to last. In an instant, it was like a fog descended upon me. Everything just went hazy and muffled; as if someone muted everything. My mind raced, “I am about to pass out”.

Thankfully, I was positioned near the front of the bus, so I took a couple of steps toward the driver and requested that the driver to pull over, telling him I needed to get ill. He promptly opened the bus doors and I hurriedly stepped onto the sidewalk.

My intention was not to vomit before a busy multi-lane road, so I forced myself up and endeavored to make my way across to the park across the road, where I believed I’d at least be able to secretly conceal myself near some foliage to throw up. However I likely blacked out. I could feel my physical self, yet walking was impossible or see clearly, so I started dragging myself toward the park.

“Are you okay, dear?”

In that instant, I was lifted up. I sensed someone holding me and a man’s voice asked, “Everything alright, love?” I told this unknown man that I required to be sick. So he virtually supported my weight down into a close-by structure and put me in the ladies’ toilets. He asked me whether I required him to wait for me but I refused.

A few minutes later, I had recovered enough to sit on the toilet and from outside the door I heard his voice asking, “Are you OK, love? Do you need anything?” I was incapable to get up right away but I did succeed to express my gratitude and after a few more minutes regained the function of my feet. I returned home passing several days getting over what was later diagnosed as a severe stomach virus.

I never glimpsed that man’s face – only his legs and a large container for tools he held – but he saved me, when I was at my most vulnerable.

Frequently, society tends to make people defensive, aggressive and competitive. His act was the type of kindness that reverses that emotional callousness. He demonstrated that humanity’s innate tendency leans toward compassion, something I love about humanity.