I Was So Ill Walking Was Impossible Until a Fellow Passenger Virtually Carried Me to a Restroom.
During my 19 years old, my daily commute was on an packed public transport. The vehicle was always jammed and invariably became standing room only when I stepped aboard.
During a certain commute, I started experiencing quite nauseous when the coach lurched around the bends. I repeatedly told myself to endure just a little longer so the bus could got to my destination, and then I could rush hurriedly for the nearest washroom to vomit.
The bus was approaching the road leading to my stop and I realised I wasn’t going to make it. Suddenly, it seemed a veil came over me. My vision turned hazy and muffled; as if someone muted everything. My mind raced, “I will lose consciousness”.
Thankfully, I was positioned toward the front inside the vehicle, so I took several steps toward the driver and requested that the driver to open the doors, explaining to him I needed to vomit. He promptly opened the entrance and I hurriedly stepped on to the pavement.
I was resolved to not get sick in front of six lanes of traffic, so I forced myself up and started trying to walk toward the green space across the road, where I thought it would allow me to discreetly hide behind a bush to vomit. However I must have fainted. I could feel my limbs, but I couldn’t walk or see clearly, so I started inching my way to the grassy area.
“Are you okay, dear?”
In that instant, I got scooped up. There was a strong arm supporting me and a man’s voice asked, “You right, love?” I told this mysterious stranger that I had to to get to a bathroom. So he virtually helped me walk into an adjacent building and guided me inside the women’s restroom. He wanted to know if I wanted him to remain with me but I refused.
After a short while, I felt better enough to sit on the restroom floor and from outside the door I heard his voice asking, “Are you OK, love? Is there anything you require?” I could not to rise right away but I did succeed to say thank you and after a few more minutes was able to move my legs. I made my way home passing several days getting over what turned out to be a severe stomach virus.
I never glimpsed the stranger’s face – just his lower half and the big metal toolbox he had with him – yet he rescued me, when I was at my most vulnerable.
Often this world has a way of making you guarded, hostile, and combative. His was the sort of gesture that undoes that protective shell. He was proof that humanity’s innate tendency is towards kindness, something I love about humanity.
