I Was So Ill Walking Was Impossible Until a Fellow Passenger Virtually Carried Me to a Bathroom.

Back when I was 19 years old, my regular journey to work involved an crowded coach. The vehicle was always jammed and would always be without any seats when I boarded.

One particular morning, I was feeling incredibly sick as the bus rocked around each corner. I kept telling myself to persevere just a little longer until the bus arrived at my stop, so I could then make a mad dash for the nearest public toilet to throw up.

As we neared the street towards the destination as I understood I was unable to make it. In an instant, it felt as if a fog descended upon me. The world became white and really quiet; like someone had turned off the audio. I said to myself, “I am about to pass out”.

Fortunately, I stood close to the driver inside the vehicle, allowing me to take a few steps to ask the driver and told the operator to open the doors, informing him I was going to be sick. The driver opened the bus doors and I hurriedly stepped on to the pavement.

My intention was to avoid being sick in view of multiple lanes of cars, so I picked myself up and endeavored to stumble toward the green space opposite the street, where I thought I’d at least be able to discreetly hide among some shrubs to vomit. Yet I must have lost consciousness. I was aware of my limbs, but walking was impossible or see clearly, leading me to start crawling towards the park.

“Everything alright, love?”

At that moment, I was lifted up. I felt someone holding me and heard a man say, “Are you okay, dear?” I managed to tell the unknown man that I needed to get to a bathroom. Thus, he practically helped me walk down into a close-by structure and put me in the ladies’ toilets. He inquired if I needed him to wait for me but I refused.

Not long after, I felt better enough to sit down and from outside the door came him inquire, “Are you OK, love? Do you need anything?” I wasn’t able to stand up just then but I was able to thank him and after a few more minutes regained the function of my legs. I returned home passing several days getting over which was a severe stomach virus.

I did not see his features – merely his legs and the big steelwork tools container he was carrying – yet he rescued me, when I was in my weakest state.

Often this world has a way of making you guarded, hostile, and combative. His was the sort of gesture that melts away that hardening of the heart. He was proof that our default setting is towards kindness, a trait I cherish about my fellow humans.