In Such Poor Health I Couldn’t Walk When a Man Essentially Lifted Me to a Bathroom.
Back when I was 19 years old, my daily commute involved an express bus. It was perpetually crowded and invariably became without any seats when I got on.
During a certain commute, I started experiencing quite nauseous while the vehicle rocked around each corner. I continuously reassured myself to persevere just a little longer before the bus arrived at my stop, so I could then make a mad dash for the nearest public toilet to vomit.
We were coming down the road leading to the stop when I understood I wasn’t going to make it. All of a sudden, it felt as if a veil came over me. The world became hazy and muffled; as if someone muted everything. I thought, “I am about to pass out”.
Luckily I was close to the driver of the bus, so I took a few steps forward and requested that the driver to pull over, explaining to him I was going to vomit. The driver opened the doors and I hurriedly stepped out onto the street.
My intention was not to vomit before multiple lanes of cars, so I picked myself up and began attempting to make my way across to the park opposite the street, thinking I could I’d at least be able to find some privacy near some foliage to vomit. But then I apparently fainted. I was aware of my body but walking was impossible and my vision was blurry, leading me to start crawling towards the grassy area.
“Are you okay, dear?”
Right then, I got scooped up. I sensed an arm around my waist and a man’s voice asked, “Are you okay, dear?” I managed to tell the unknown man that I needed to get to a bathroom. So he virtually helped me walk over to a nearby building and put me into the female bathroom. He asked me whether I required him to stay with me but I said no.
Not long after, I regained my composure sufficiently to sit down when from beyond the stall I heard him ask, “Are you OK, love? Can I get you something?” I could not to stand up just then but I did succeed to say thank you and after a few more minutes was able to move my feet. I got myself home passing the next few days getting over which was a severe stomach virus.
I never saw his features – only his legs and the big steelwork tools container he held – but he helped me, when I was in my weakest state.
Many times, life can make you guarded, hostile, and combative. His was the sort of gesture that melts away that emotional callousness. He demonstrated that people’s natural inclination is towards kindness, a trait I cherish in other people.
