Both of these happened when I was living in America.
What's the kindest thing a stranger ever did for you?
I was driving through Texas in the dead of night and then SSSSSSSSSSSSS.....got a flat tire. So I pull over. Got all the gear out and with flashlight in mouth I was mounting the spare tire when a car whizzes past on the road. And then all is quiet again. Just me, the Nissan and a starry sky. But then I notice red lights....the car that just flashed past has stopped...it does a U-turn and comes back. Stops in front of me. A business man gets out. In a suit, takes off the jacket, rolls up his sleeves (Rolex and all) and says "Hey buddy you need a hand?" I was so shocked I was all "Thank you for stopping, but Im almost done! Youre very kind to ask!" He insisted on helping but I said it was all good so he reluctantly drove off.
Whats the kindest thing you've done for a stranger?
This happened in California while waiting for the BART (BART=Bay Area Rapid Transit, its their high-speed train system linking local destinations in the San Francisco bay area). Anyways Im standing there waiting for a train on the platform. There this girl waiting as well, she was standing about 20 meters or so away. Down the stairs comes the biggest most badass Native American dude I have seen- looked about 45yrs old, massive biceps. Basically a walking tank. Think Billy from Predator...X 10. 6ft 3" at least. He walks up to this girl (who was about 24 or so) and opens a briefcase. Inside its full of cheapo sunglasses and he fishes one out and shoves it in her face "You wanna buy?! This stuff is REAL good!" And he walks right up to her. Shes terrified and walks backwards but hes right in her face waving his cheap sunglasses in her face. She was all "Im s..ss...sorry I dont wa...wanna buy any...please...?"
But he just kept walkin...and then shes up against the wall and hes still in her face. Decision time. I look around ..theres no one else. I take a deep breath turn around and walk torwards this guy and holler "Get the HELL away from her or Im callin the cops on you RIGHT now!" I tell the girl "Walk away..go find a phone" She walks...but doesnt leave...Big guy is now right up against me. By this time Im shaking with fear...this guy could kill me with one punch after all. But again I say "Step away Im callin the cops" He gives me a dagger stare....and backs off.
The train arrives and he runs up the stairs to the exit. I stood there in a bit of a daze...and then the girl comes up to me. She still had tears in her eyes but she said to me "Thank you" and got on the train and off it went.
I did call the cops. They arrived within 2 mins or less, Glocks and all. Apparently this guy was a well known troublemaker. "Ahh yes the big Indian guy....yeah" They asked if I wanted to pursue things but I said no it was ok and got on the next train. The cops said they would have a word with him anyways.
I still look back on the incident and still shiver...it could have turned out so different. I was like a mouse facing off an elephant. But I'll never forget the heartfelt "thank you" of that girl.