In Such Poor Health Walking Was Impossible As a Stranger Essentially Lifted Me to a Bathroom.

At the age of 19 years old, my morning travel involved an crowded coach. The vehicle was always crowded and was consistently completely full when I boarded.

During a certain commute, I began feeling quite nauseous as the bus swayed around every turn. I repeatedly told myself to endure just a little longer before the bus arrived at my destination, at which point I could sprint quickly toward the most convenient washroom to be sick.

As we neared the street towards the stop when I realised I would not be to make it. Suddenly, it felt as if a fog descended upon me. The world became blank and silent; as if someone turned off the audio. I thought, “I’m going to faint”.

Thankfully, I was positioned near the front inside the vehicle, allowing me to take a couple of steps to ask the driver and told the operator to open the doors, explaining to him I was going to be sick. He promptly opened the doors and I hurriedly stepped onto the sidewalk.

I was determined to avoid being sick in front of multiple lanes of cars, so I gathered myself and began attempting to make my way toward the green space opposite the street, where I believed I could at least secretly conceal myself near some foliage to throw up. But then I likely lost consciousness. I was aware of my body but I was unable to walk or see properly, so I started dragging myself toward the grassy area.

“Are you okay, dear?”

Right then, I got scooped up. I felt someone holding me and heard a man say, “You right, love?” I managed to tell the unknown man that I required to get to a bathroom. Thus, he practically supported my weight into a close-by structure and put me in the ladies’ toilets. He wanted to know if I wanted him to remain with me but I refused.

After a short while, I regained my composure to the point of sitting on the restroom floor and from the other side of the stall I heard his voice asking, “Are you feeling better, dear? Do you need anything?” I was incapable to get up at that moment but I was able to express my gratitude and shortly thereafter regained the function of my limbs. I returned home passing the following days getting over what was later diagnosed as a severe stomach virus.

I never glimpsed that man’s face – merely his legs and a large container for tools he had with him – but he saved me, during a time when I was completely helpless.

Many times, life can make you defensive, aggressive and competitive. His was the sort of gesture that undoes that protective shell. He served as evidence that humanity’s innate tendency is towards kindness, a trait I cherish about humanity.