I Was So Ill Walking Was Impossible As a Stranger Essentially Lifted Me to the Toilets.

During my my late teens, my morning travel meant taking an packed public transport. It was perpetually crowded and was consistently completely full when I got on.

During a certain commute, I began feeling quite nauseous while the vehicle rocked around each corner. I continuously reassured myself to endure for a few more stops before the bus arrived at my destination, and then I could rush hurriedly for the nearest washroom to vomit.

As we neared the road leading to my stop and it dawned on me I would not be to make it. In an instant, it was like a veil came over me. The world became hazy and muffled; like someone had turned off the audio. I thought, “I’m going to faint”.

Luckily I was close to the driver on the bus, so I took several steps forward and told the operator to pull over, telling him that I was about to vomit. He opened the bus doors and I weakly exited onto the sidewalk.

I was resolved to not get sick in front of six lanes of traffic, so I forced myself up and started trying to make my way toward the green space on the other side, where I thought I’d at least be able to secretly conceal myself behind a bush to throw up. Yet I apparently blacked out. I was aware of my limbs, but I couldn’t walk or see clearly, so I began crawling towards the park.

“Everything alright, love?”

In that instant, I got scooped up. I felt an arm around my waist and heard a man say, “You right, love?” I explained to this mysterious stranger that I required to be sick. Thus, he practically helped me walk into a close-by structure and guided me in the ladies’ toilets. He asked me whether I required him to wait for me but I said no.

Not long after, I felt better sufficiently to sit down and from outside the door came his voice asking, “Do you need anything, love? Do you need anything?” I was incapable to get up just then but did manage to thank him and after a few more minutes regained the function of my limbs. I got myself home and spent the following days recovering from which was a severe stomach virus.

I never saw his features – merely his legs and the big container for tools he held – but he saved me, when I was at my most vulnerable.

Often this world can make you defensive, aggressive and competitive. His act was the type of kindness that reverses that hardening of the heart. He demonstrated that people’s natural inclination leans toward compassion, a trait I cherish about my fellow humans.