In Such Poor Health I Couldn’t Walk As a Stranger Essentially Lifted Me to a Bathroom.

At the age of nineteenth year, my regular journey to work was on an crowded coach. It remained crowded and invariably became completely full when I stepped aboard.

During a certain commute, I was feeling quite nauseous as the bus swayed around every turn. I continuously reassured myself to persevere another few kilometres before the bus arrived at my destination, so I could then sprint quickly for the nearest public restroom to vomit.

As we neared the avenue close to the stop when I understood I was unable to make it. All of a sudden, it seemed a veil came over me. My vision turned white and really quiet; as if someone turned off the audio. I said to myself, “I am about to pass out”.

Thankfully, I was positioned toward the front on the bus, allowing me to take a few steps forward and told the operator to open the doors, telling him I needed to get ill. He opened the bus doors and I hurriedly stepped onto the sidewalk.

I was resolved to avoid being sick in view of six lanes of traffic, so I gathered myself and started trying to make my way to the park across the road, thinking I could I could at least find some privacy among some shrubs to be sick. However I apparently fainted. I could feel my limbs, but I couldn’t walk and my vision was blurry, so I started dragging myself toward the park.

“Everything alright, love?”

Right then, I was lifted up. There was someone holding me and a stranger inquired, “Everything alright, love?” I told this kind passerby that I required to get to a bathroom. So he virtually carried me into a close-by structure and placed me in the ladies’ toilets. He asked me if I wanted him to remain with me but I said no.

After a short while, I regained my composure sufficiently to sit down when from beyond the stall I heard him ask, “Are you OK, love? Is there anything you require?” I wasn’t able to rise just then but did manage to say thank you and after a few more minutes regained the function of my feet. I returned home and then spent the next few days getting over what was later diagnosed as a severe stomach virus.

I never glimpsed the stranger’s face – only his legs and the big container for tools he held – but he helped me, when I was in my weakest state.

Many times, life tends to make people defensive, aggressive and competitive. What he did was the kind of action that reverses that protective shell. He served as evidence that humanity’s innate tendency is towards kindness, a trait I cherish in other people.