I Feel Sad When People Are In Pain and Wish I Could Do More
I got on the train yesterday and a young girl came and sat on the seat in front of me, she was about 15 years old and very pretty. I couldn’t help but notice her face and in particular her eyes. She looked very distressed and as if she had been crying, she was trying very hard not to make eye contact with anybody. Straight away I felt a horrible and familiar connection with this poor venerable girl.
Two guys came and sat across from us, the pair of them were staring at us, her in particular, I could hear them making stupid comments. Let’s just say they looked as if they came from one of those countries that didn’t respect women. I wouldn’t normally hesitate in saying something but in light of the situation I didn’t think it appreciate to make scene. I saw her quickly glance across at them and then turn and look out the window, only to see their reflections in the glass, there was no escaping them. I would have gathered her up and moved seats if the train wasn’t so crowded.
I finally got up and sat beside her, I sat sideways on the seat with my back to her. While facing to two idiots with my arms folded I glared at them without blinking for about two minutes until they shut up and finally looked away.
When I turned back around I quickly glanced at her only to see she was still trying to make herself invisible. After about a minute I couldn’t help myself, I leaned across and quietly said “are you okay, is there anything I can do”? in a quivering voice she said replied “on I’m okay thank you” From that time on she kept glancing across at me as if she wanted to say something else. I could feel the pain and distress radiating from her, fortunately the two guys got off before I did.
When we arrived at my stop I leaned across and said the name and location of the place where I work. I looked at her until she looked back at me and acknowledged what I had said. As I stood I said “take care hun” then departed, I felt really guilty about getting off the train.
I’ve been in this situation before and never known what’s the right thing to do, and wondered whether I’m stepping over the mark or not. For all I know she may have a loving and supportive family at home, but for some reason my gut told me that wasn’t the case. Not being unfamiliar with the desperation she may have been feeling made me feel really uncomfortable. I hate to say it but when I get these feelings something bed generally happens.
I understand we can’t run around saving the world, but knowing how alone and venerable she was when we met has made me feel really anxious, she’s been on my mind since. As silly as it may sound, I lay in bed last night wondering whether she was okay and if there was anything more I could have done. Hmm, what to do?
Two guys came and sat across from us, the pair of them were staring at us, her in particular, I could hear them making stupid comments. Let’s just say they looked as if they came from one of those countries that didn’t respect women. I wouldn’t normally hesitate in saying something but in light of the situation I didn’t think it appreciate to make scene. I saw her quickly glance across at them and then turn and look out the window, only to see their reflections in the glass, there was no escaping them. I would have gathered her up and moved seats if the train wasn’t so crowded.
I finally got up and sat beside her, I sat sideways on the seat with my back to her. While facing to two idiots with my arms folded I glared at them without blinking for about two minutes until they shut up and finally looked away.
When I turned back around I quickly glanced at her only to see she was still trying to make herself invisible. After about a minute I couldn’t help myself, I leaned across and quietly said “are you okay, is there anything I can do”? in a quivering voice she said replied “on I’m okay thank you” From that time on she kept glancing across at me as if she wanted to say something else. I could feel the pain and distress radiating from her, fortunately the two guys got off before I did.
When we arrived at my stop I leaned across and said the name and location of the place where I work. I looked at her until she looked back at me and acknowledged what I had said. As I stood I said “take care hun” then departed, I felt really guilty about getting off the train.
I’ve been in this situation before and never known what’s the right thing to do, and wondered whether I’m stepping over the mark or not. For all I know she may have a loving and supportive family at home, but for some reason my gut told me that wasn’t the case. Not being unfamiliar with the desperation she may have been feeling made me feel really uncomfortable. I hate to say it but when I get these feelings something bed generally happens.
I understand we can’t run around saving the world, but knowing how alone and venerable she was when we met has made me feel really anxious, she’s been on my mind since. As silly as it may sound, I lay in bed last night wondering whether she was okay and if there was anything more I could have done. Hmm, what to do?
