I was 19 and thought I was invincible. I’d just broken up with my boyfriend and to boost my ego, I decided to put on a skirt that was probably a bit too short and a pair of heels that were definitely too high. The stiletto heel was about 13cm tall – crazy! – but oh, how I loved those shoes.
I really shouldn’t have been wearing those shoes on public transport, especially not on a train. I remember how difficult it was to walk across the platform and how worried I was that I was going to go hurtling on to the tracks. I was already regretting my life choices at this point, but I successfully managed to totter my way off the train at Oxford station and start walking down what were then very steep stairs, holding on to the handrail for dear life with every step.
I was doing a good job of staying upright and dignified, until a surge of people came up the steps and rushed towards me. I kept clutching the handrail until I saw an elderly woman coming up the same side as me.
I let go so that she would be able to pass, then stepped to the side and immediately lost my footing. In an instant I knew I was going to go down and take everyone on the stairs out with me, like a bowling ball claiming a strike.
But I didn’t fall. Someone grabbed my arm and held me steady, catching me before the disaster. They held me upright and helped me walk down to the bottom of the stairs.
At the bottom, I turned to thank them, but they were already gone – swept away by the crowd. They hadn’t waited around for a thank you or an apology, they’d just done a purely good deed and got on with their day. My mysterious hero saved not just me, but everyone else on the stairs at Oxford station that day.
I never wore stupid high heels like that on public transport again. I learned my lesson and thanks to that good samaritan, only my pride was damaged.
What is the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?
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