In Such Poor Health Walking Was Impossible When a Man Practically Supported Me to a Restroom.

Back when I was 19 years old, my daily commute meant taking an packed public transport. The vehicle was always crowded and invariably became standing room only when I stepped aboard.

During a certain commute, I started experiencing incredibly sick when the coach lurched around the bends. I repeatedly told myself to persevere just a little longer before the bus reached where I needed to get off, and then I could rush hurriedly for the nearest washroom to throw up.

We were coming down the avenue close to my stop and it dawned on me I was unable to hold on. Suddenly, it seemed a fog descended upon me. Everything just went blank and silent; like someone had turned off the audio. I thought, “I’m going to faint”.

Luckily I was close to the driver inside the vehicle, so I took a few steps toward the driver and told the operator to pull over, telling him that I was about to get ill. He opened the doors and I hurriedly stepped on to the pavement.

I was resolved to not get sick in view of multiple lanes of cars, so I picked myself up and began attempting to make my way toward the green space opposite the street, where I believed I’d at least be able to find some privacy near some foliage to vomit. But then I apparently lost consciousness. I could feel my body but walking was impossible or see clearly, so I started inching my way to the grassy area.

“You right, love?”

Right then, I got scooped up. There was a strong arm supporting me and a stranger inquired, “Everything alright, love?” I told this unknown man that I had to to vomit. Thus, he practically helped me walk over to a nearby building and put me inside the women’s restroom. He asked me whether I required him to remain with me but I declined.

After a short while, I regained my composure sufficiently to sit down when from beyond the stall I heard him ask, “Do you need anything, love? Is there anything you require?” I was incapable to rise just then but did manage to thank him and shortly thereafter recovered the use of my feet. I made my way home and spent the next few days recovering from what turned out to be a nasty tummy bug.

I did not see the stranger’s face – merely his legs and a large container for tools he was carrying – yet he rescued me, when I was in my weakest state.

Many times, life can make you defensive, aggressive and competitive. What he did was the kind of action that melts away that protective shell. He was proof that humanity’s innate tendency is towards kindness, something I love in other people.