Feeling So Sick I Couldn’t Walk Until a Fellow Passenger Practically Supported Me to a Bathroom.

At the age of 19 years old, my daily commute involved an crowded coach. It was perpetually crowded and invariably became standing room only by the time I stepped aboard.

One particular morning, I was feeling quite nauseous when the coach swayed around the bends. I kept telling myself to endure just a little longer before the bus arrived at my destination, so I could then make a mad dash to the closest public restroom to vomit.

As we neared the street towards the destination as I understood I would not be to make it. Suddenly, it was like a veil came over me. The world became hazy and muffled; similar to when one turned off the audio. My mind raced, “I am about to pass out”.

Fortunately, I stood near the front on the bus, allowing me to take a few steps toward the driver and requested that the driver to open the doors, explaining to him I was going to be sick. He promptly opened the entrance and I weakly exited onto the sidewalk.

My intention was not to vomit in front of a busy multi-lane road, so I forced myself up and started trying to walk to the park on the other side, where I thought I’d at least be able to find some privacy behind a bush to throw up. But then I likely lost consciousness. I sensed my limbs, but walking was impossible and my vision was blurry, leading me to start dragging myself toward my intended destination.

“Are you okay, dear?”

Right then, someone picked me up. There was someone holding me and a man’s voice asked, “Everything alright, love?” I explained to this mysterious stranger that I had to to get to a bathroom. Therefore, he almost carried me over to an adjacent building and placed me into the female bathroom. He inquired if I needed him to remain with me but I said no.

A few minutes later, I regained my composure enough to sit down when from beyond the door I heard his voice asking, “Do you need anything, love? Do you need anything?” I was incapable to stand up at that moment but I was able to thank him and following a brief period regained the function of my legs. I got myself home and spent the next few days getting over which was a severe stomach virus.

I never saw his features – only his legs and a large metal toolbox he held – but he helped me, during a time when I was at my most vulnerable.

Many times, life can make you defensive, aggressive and competitive. His act was the type of kindness that undoes that emotional callousness. He was proof that our default setting is towards kindness, a trait I cherish about humanity.