Leaving for work at 5:45 am you see some strange things. Today, I saw something not only strange but downright disturbing. Down the block from me on the side of the road there was a man curled up on the pavement. It was freezing out and drizzling, he had a light weight coat and seemed unconscious.
At first, I thought he was a drunkard laying in his own waste. I figured nothing was really wrong with him because there were rows of cars just passing by, slowing down to a crawl to take an inquisitive look and continuing on as if nothing happened. But one driver seemed worried and the man in the street began to moan. I wanted to leave, I was late for work already and this guy had nothing to do with me, but I couldn't walk away.
I stepped closer and saw he was spitting blood, his left eye was completely swollen and bloodshot and he wasn't moving his arms or legs, just moaning, and barely conscious. Yet, I still wanted to leave. I admit, i'm not the friendliest person at times and like to keep to myself, but I knew I had to do something. Besides, that driver that actually looked concerned drove off once he saw that I had stopped to see if the man was Okay.
Once I realized I was alone, in the middle of street, in the freezing rain and that no one else cared what happened to this man it was an obvious decision. I thought about recent acts of kindness my friends and loved ones did and finally understood why. It seems that you truly are alone in this world and even if you are bleeding in the middle of the street most people won't take the time to help, for them, getting to work on time is more important. I called 911 and they sent an ambulance over almost instantly. In the meantime I realized he only spoke Spanish and tried to figure out how he got there. I don't know if he got attacked and mugged or hit by a car, but I hope he is okay now.
The funny thing is that I called my job and told them I was going to be late because of the situation, all they told me is it's a very busy day so I should hurry. They didn't say anything about the injured man in the street. I guess if it doesn't earn you money then most people don't care.
It was a sad realization, but at the same time I'm proud of myself for doing the right thing. Next time, I won't be so reluctant to help someone in need.
Too bad we live in such a cold, cold world.
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