I Was So Ill Walking Was Impossible As a Stranger Essentially Lifted Me to the Toilets.
During my 19 years old, my regular journey to work meant taking an packed public transport. It was perpetually full and would always be completely full when I got on.
On one specific day, I began feeling incredibly sick when the coach lurched around every turn. I kept telling myself to persevere for a few more stops until the bus reached where I needed to get off, and then I could sprint quickly toward the most convenient public restroom to be sick.
As we neared the street towards the stop when I understood I would not be to make it. In an instant, it was like a curtain fell over me. My vision turned blank and silent; similar to when one muted everything. My mind raced, “I will lose consciousness”.
Thankfully, I was positioned close to the driver of the bus, allowing me to take a couple of steps forward and told the operator to pull over, telling him I was going to be sick. He opened the doors and I stumbled out onto the sidewalk.
My intention was to not get sick in view of a busy multi-lane road, so I forced myself up and started trying to walk toward the green space on the other side, where I believed it would allow me to discreetly hide among some shrubs to throw up. However I must have fainted. I sensed my physical self, yet I couldn’t walk or see clearly, leading me to start inching my way to the grassy area.
“You right, love?”
At that moment, I got scooped up. There was an arm around my waist and a stranger inquired, “Are you okay, dear?” I managed to tell the unknown man that I needed to be sick. Therefore, he almost carried me down into a nearby building and placed me in the ladies’ toilets. He inquired if I wanted him to wait for me but I said no.
A few minutes later, I had recovered to the point of sitting on the restroom floor and from outside the stall I heard him inquire, “Are you OK, love? Do you need anything?” I could not to rise just then but I did succeed to thank him and after a few more minutes regained the function of my legs. I returned home and spent the following days recovering from which was a severe stomach virus.
I never saw his features – only his legs and a large metal toolbox he had with him – yet he rescued me, during a time when I was in my weakest state.
Often this world has a way of making you guarded, hostile, and combative. His act was the type of kindness that melts away that hardening of the heart. He demonstrated that people’s natural inclination is towards kindness, a quality I adore about humanity.
