During my my late teens, my regular journey to work involved an crowded coach. The vehicle was always full and would always be standing room only by the time I got on.
One particular morning, I started experiencing terribly ill when the coach rocked around each corner. I repeatedly told myself to endure for a few more stops so the bus could got to where I needed to get off, so I could then make a mad dash for the nearest washroom to throw up.
We were coming down the street towards the stop when I realised I wasn’t going to make it. In an instant, it felt as if a fog descended upon me. The world became white and really quiet; similar to when one muted everything. I thought, “I am about to pass out”.
Thankfully, I was positioned close to the driver inside the vehicle, so I managed a few steps to ask the driver and asked the driver to open the doors, telling him I needed to be sick. He opened the entrance and I weakly exited out onto the street.
I was resolved to not get sick in front of a busy multi-lane road, so I gathered myself and endeavored to walk across to the park on the other side, where I believed I could at least find some privacy near some foliage to vomit. However I likely fainted. I was aware of my body but I couldn’t walk or see clearly, leading me to start crawling towards the park.
“Are you okay, dear?”
At that moment, 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 had to to get to a bathroom. Therefore, he almost carried me into a close-by structure and placed me into the female bathroom. He inquired whether I required him to remain with me but I declined.
After a short while, I regained my composure to the point of sitting on the toilet and from outside the door I heard his voice asking, “Are you OK, love? Can I get you something?” I wasn’t able to stand up at that moment but I did succeed to thank him and following a brief period was able to move my legs. I got myself home and then spent the following days recovering from what turned out to be a severe stomach virus.
I never saw his features – merely his legs and the big steelwork tools container he held – but he helped me, when I was in my weakest state.
Frequently, society tends to make people defensive, aggressive and competitive. His act was the type of kindness that undoes that protective shell. He served as evidence that humanity’s innate tendency leans toward compassion, a quality I adore about humanity.
Elara is a seasoned writer and digital storyteller with a passion for exploring diverse literary genres and empowering others through words.
