On a bus in London, an elderly woman glared at a young man in a white vest, his arms covered in tattoos. She kept shaking her head and muttering under her breath before sharply turning back to the window.
The young man, Liam Carter, sat with his headphones in, lost in his music, oblivious to the disapproving stares. But then, the woman suddenly snapped.
What is wrong with young people these days? she barked. Covering yourselves in that devilish nonsense! Its disgraceful!
Liam pulled out one earbud and asked politely, Excuse me, maamis something the matter?
Oh, is something the matter? she mocked. With markings like that, youll never see heaven! Its a mortal sin, I tell you. How can you walk around like that?
I havent done you any harm, Liam replied calmly. Its my body, and Ill do as I please with it.
His words only stoked her anger.
Tch! In my day, young people knew their place! she snapped, raising her voice. Who do you think you are, speaking to me like that? Its because of your lot that this countrys gone to the dogs! Wandering about like heathensshame on you! What would your parents say? No decent girl would ever take you, looking like that! Mark my words, youll pay for your sins!
She crossed herself, shaking her head. May your hands rot if you dare mark yourself again!
Liam said nothing, just sighed and turned to the window. The bus rolled on, but the woman wasnt finished.
Ugh, youve given me such a headache, you rude boy! Thank heavens I never raised children like you. A disgrace, the lot of you!
Then suddenly, her face paled, and she clutched her chest.
Oh I feel faint she rasped.
Passengers glanced awaysome pretending not to hear, others turning their backs. Not a soul moved to help.
But Liam quickly removed his headphones, his eyes sharp with focus. When he spoke, his voice was quiet but firmand what he said left everyone stunned.
Madam Im a paramedic.
The bus fell silent, as if time itself had paused.
In an instant, Liam was at her side. With steady hands, he loosened her scarf, unbuttoned her collar, and guided her to breathe deeply.
Easy now, he said gently, his tone nothing like the rude boy shed berated moments before.
He checked her pulse, adjusted her position, and swiftly dialled emergency services, relaying their location and her condition with precision.
Hold on, helps coming, he murmured, meeting her dazed gaze. Ive got you.
The woman blinked weakly, a flicker of shame crossing her face. She tried to speak, but only managed a small nod.
As the bus carried on, the lesson lingeredappearances deceive, and kindness wears no uniform. Sometimes, the people we judge most harshly are the very ones whod save us without a second thought.
