Feeling So Sick I Was Unable to Walk Until a Fellow Passenger Practically Supported Me to a Restroom.

At the age of 19 years old, my daily commute was on an crowded coach. The vehicle was always full and would always be standing room only by the time I stepped aboard.

During a certain commute, I began feeling incredibly sick while the vehicle rocked around every turn. I continuously reassured myself to hold on another few kilometres before the bus reached where I needed to get off, so I could then sprint quickly to the closest public restroom to be sick.

We were coming down the street towards the stop when it dawned on me I was unable to make it. Suddenly, it seemed a fog descended upon me. My vision turned blank and silent; similar to when one muted everything. I thought, “I’m going to faint”.

Luckily I was toward the front on the bus, so I took several steps toward the driver and told the operator to pull over, informing him that I was about to vomit. The driver opened the entrance and I weakly exited onto the sidewalk.

I was resolved to avoid being sick in view of a busy multi-lane road, so I forced myself up and endeavored to make my way toward the green space opposite the street, where I believed I could at least discreetly hide behind a bush to throw up. But then I likely lost consciousness. I was aware of my physical self, yet I was unable to walk or see properly, so I started crawling towards the grassy area.

“Are you okay, dear?”

In that instant, I was lifted up. I sensed someone holding me and a stranger inquired, “Are you okay, dear?” I told this kind passerby that I required to be sick. Therefore, he almost carried me down into a close-by structure and placed me in the ladies’ toilets. He wanted to know whether I required him to wait for me but I said no.

Not long after, I had recovered sufficiently to sit down and from outside the door came him inquire, “Are you feeling better, dear? Do you need anything?” I was incapable to stand up just then but I was able to thank him and shortly thereafter was able to move my legs. I returned home and spent the following days healing from what was later diagnosed as a severe stomach virus.

I never saw his features – only his legs and the big metal toolbox he held – yet he rescued me, at a moment I was completely helpless.

Often this world can make you guarded, hostile, and combative. His was the sort of gesture that melts away that emotional callousness. He demonstrated that our default setting leans toward compassion, something I love about humanity.