I Was So Ill I Couldn’t Walk When a Man Essentially Lifted Me to a Restroom.

During my nineteenth year, my daily commute meant taking an express bus. The vehicle was always crowded and invariably became standing room only when I stepped aboard.

During a certain commute, I started experiencing quite nauseous when the coach rocked around every turn. I repeatedly told myself to persevere for a few more stops so the bus could arrived at where I needed to get off, so I could then rush hurriedly to the closest public toilet to throw up.

The bus was approaching the road leading to my stop and I understood I wasn’t going to make it. In an instant, it was like a veil came over me. My vision turned white and really quiet; like someone had turned off the audio. I said to myself, “I’m going to faint”.

Luckily I was near the front inside the vehicle, so I took several steps to ask the driver and told the operator to open the doors, explaining to him I was going to vomit. The driver opened the doors and I hurriedly stepped out onto the street.

I was resolved to avoid being sick before multiple lanes of cars, so I gathered myself and endeavored to walk across to the park across the road, thinking I could I could at least find some privacy near some foliage to throw up. But then I likely blacked out. I was aware of my body but walking was impossible or see properly, so I began inching my way to the park.

“Are you okay, dear?”

In that instant, someone picked me up. I sensed an arm around my waist and a stranger inquired, “Are you okay, dear?” I managed to tell the kind passerby that I had to to vomit. Therefore, he almost carried me down into a nearby building and placed me in the ladies’ toilets. He inquired if I needed him to remain with me but I refused.

After a short while, I felt better enough to sit on the toilet and from outside the door I heard him ask, “Are you feeling better, dear? Is there anything you require?” I wasn’t able to stand up right away but did manage to thank him and following a brief period regained the function of my limbs. I returned home and then spent the following days recovering from what was later diagnosed as a severe stomach virus.

I did not see that man’s face – merely his legs and a large container for tools he had with him – but he saved me, when I was at my most vulnerable.

Frequently, society tends to make people guarded, hostile, and combative. His was the sort of gesture that undoes that protective shell. He demonstrated that humanity’s innate tendency leans toward compassion, something I love about my fellow humans.