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

Back when I was 19 years old, my regular journey to work was on an express bus. It remained jammed and would always be completely full by the time I stepped aboard.

During a certain commute, I began feeling quite nauseous while the vehicle lurched around each corner. I repeatedly told myself to persevere another few kilometres before the bus got to my destination, and then I could sprint quickly for the nearest public toilet to throw up.

The bus was approaching the avenue close to my stop and I understood I would not be to hold on. In an instant, it felt as if a veil came over me. The world became hazy and muffled; similar to when one turned off the audio. My mind raced, “I am about to pass out”.

Luckily I was close to the driver on the bus, so I took a few steps to ask the driver and asked the driver to stop, explaining to him that I was about to be sick. He opened the bus doors and I stumbled out onto the sidewalk.

I was resolved to not get sick before a busy multi-lane road, so I forced myself up and began attempting to make my way toward the green space opposite the street, thinking I could I’d at least be able to discreetly hide near some foliage to throw up. However I likely fainted. I could feel my body but walking was impossible or see properly, leading me to start inching my way to the grassy area.

“You right, love?”

At that moment, I was lifted up. There was someone holding me and a man’s voice asked, “Are you okay, dear?” I explained to this kind passerby that I needed to get to a bathroom. Thus, he practically helped me walk down into an adjacent building and put me into the female bathroom. He asked me whether I required him to stay with me but I declined.

After a short while, I regained my composure to the point of sitting down when from beyond the door I heard him inquire, “Are you OK, love? Can I get you something?” I could not to rise just then but I did succeed to say thank you and following a brief period was able to move my feet. I got myself home passing several days getting over what turned out to be a severe stomach virus.

I never glimpsed the stranger’s face – only his legs along with a sizable container for tools he was carrying – but he helped me, at a moment I was completely helpless.

Many times, life can make you guarded, hostile, and combative. His was the sort of gesture that melts away that protective shell. He served as evidence that people’s natural inclination is to be kind, something I love about my fellow humans.