I Never Want To Feel As Helpless As I Felt That Day

That day was unlike any day I’ve ever had — deeply disturbing and difficult to process. I went to a bar to eat fufu. I brought my food and was looking for a place to sit when I noticed a young man already seated at a table. I thought of joining him but instead decided to sit just behind him.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP CHANNEL TO RECEIVE ALL STORIES IN YOUR INBOX

I quietly ate my food and then chose to rest for about 20 minutes before heading home, just to let the food settle. As I sat there, I noticed something strange.

The guy in front of me started jerking violently. At first, I thought it was a seizure — maybe epilepsy. Without a second thought, I hurried toward him with the intention to help him. Before I could reach him, the waitress grabbed my arm and pulled me back, “Don’t touch him. He can infect you with it.”

That shocked me. But what hit me the most was that no one around went to his aid. People just sat there like nothing was happening. I looked around, hoping someone would step in, but no one even flinched. I felt so helpless. I tried calling out to a few men nearby, asking them to help. They ignored me completely. It was like the young man on the floor didn’t even exist to them.

I wanted so badly to help but didn’t know how. And the fear of doing something wrong or making things worse made me freeze. He just lay there, motionless, helpless but I couldn’t do a thing.

Eventually, I couldn’t stand to see him suffer like that anymore. The sight was too disheartening. It made me weak physically and emotionally. I went home.

I haven’t been able to shake it off. I feel so unsettled thinking about that young man. I’m wondering if he got help after I left.

The day it happened I called my mom and told her everything. She listened, then told me something that hit hard: “Cry your own cry.” She asked me not to judge the people who seemed unconcerned. “Just a you have your reasons for not doing anything, they may have theirs too.”

She Would Introduce Me To Rich Men Who’ll Give Me Money

It doesn’t make me feel any better. I feel like I have failed him. What if I had known first aid for epilepsy? Couldn’t I have done something?

I wish I could go back and make a difference. Sadly, I can’t.

My heart is heavy. I don’t want to forget this. Maybe it’s a sign that I need to be better prepared in the future.

—Slim 

This story you just read was sent to us by someone just like you. We know you have a story too. Email it to us at submissions@silentbeads.com. You can also drop your number and we will call you so you tell us your story.

#SB