Feeling So Sick I Was Unable to Walk When a Man Practically Supported Me to a Restroom.
At the age of 19 years old, my morning travel involved an packed public transport. It remained full and invariably became standing room only by the time I stepped aboard.
On one specific day, I began feeling quite nauseous while the vehicle lurched around each corner. I repeatedly told myself to endure another few kilometres before the bus reached where I needed to get off, so I could then rush hurriedly toward the most convenient public toilet to vomit.
As we neared the road leading to the destination as I understood I would not be to hold on. Suddenly, it was like a veil came over me. The world became hazy and muffled; like someone had cut the sound. I said to myself, “I am about to pass out”.
Fortunately, I stood near the front inside the vehicle, allowing me to take several steps toward the driver and asked the driver to open the doors, explaining to him that I was about to vomit. He promptly opened the bus doors and I hurriedly stepped on to the pavement.
My intention was to avoid being sick in front of six lanes of traffic, so I forced myself up and started trying to walk toward the green space across the road, where I thought it would allow me to secretly conceal myself near some foliage to throw up. However I likely lost consciousness. I sensed my body but walking was impossible and my vision was blurry, so I began dragging myself toward the grassy area.
“Everything alright, love?”
At that moment, I was lifted up. There was an arm around my waist and a man’s voice asked, “Are you okay, dear?” I managed to tell the unknown man that I required to vomit. Thus, he practically helped me walk into an adjacent building and put me into the female bathroom. He wanted to know if I wanted him to remain with me but I declined.
A few minutes later, I felt better enough to sit on the toilet and from outside the door I heard him ask, “Are you feeling better, dear? Is there anything you require?” I was incapable to stand up just then but I did succeed to say thank you and following a brief period recovered the use of my feet. I made my way home passing several days recovering from what was later diagnosed as a horrible case of gastroenteritis.
I never glimpsed his features – merely his legs and a large container for tools he was carrying – yet he rescued me, at a moment I was completely helpless.
Many times, life can make you guarded, hostile, and combative. His was the sort of gesture that reverses that hardening of the heart. He was proof that people’s natural inclination is towards kindness, something I love about humanity.
