In Such Poor Health I Was Unable to Walk Until a Fellow Passenger Practically Supported Me to a Restroom.

During my nineteenth year, my daily commute involved an packed public transport. It remained jammed and would always be standing room only by the time I got on.

During a certain commute, I was feeling incredibly sick while the vehicle lurched around every turn. I continuously reassured myself to hold on just a little longer so the bus could reached my stop, so I could then rush hurriedly for the nearest public restroom to be sick.

We were coming down the road leading to the stop when I realised I would not be to make it. Suddenly, it was like a veil came over me. Everything just went white and really quiet; similar to when one turned off the audio. I thought, “I am about to pass out”.

Luckily I was close to the driver of the bus, allowing me to take several steps forward and requested that the driver to stop, explaining to him I needed to get ill. He opened the entrance and I hurriedly stepped on to the pavement.

I was resolved not to vomit before six lanes of traffic, so I picked myself up and endeavored to stumble across to the park across the road, where I thought I could at least find some privacy near some foliage to be sick. Yet I likely blacked out. I could feel my body but I was unable to walk or see clearly, so I started inching my way to the grassy area.

“You right, love?”

Right then, someone picked me up. I sensed someone holding me and a stranger inquired, “You right, love?” I explained to this mysterious stranger that I had to to get to a bathroom. Therefore, he almost helped me walk over to a close-by structure and put me in the ladies’ toilets. He inquired whether I required him to wait for me but I refused.

Not long after, I had recovered sufficiently to sit on the restroom floor when from beyond the stall I heard him inquire, “Are you OK, love? Can I get you something?” I could not to get up just then but I did succeed to express my gratitude and after a few more minutes recovered the use of my feet. I returned home and spent several days getting over what turned out to be a horrible case of gastroenteritis.

I never glimpsed the stranger’s face – merely his legs and the big steelwork tools container he had with him – but he helped me, when I was in my weakest state.

Many times, life has a way of making you defensive, aggressive and competitive. His act was the type of kindness that melts away that protective shell. He served as evidence that our default setting is towards kindness, a trait I cherish in other people.