It was midnight, and I was the only passenger on an almost empty bus. I already felt uneasy, but things became more frightening when a man boarded and sat directly beside me despite having many empty seats. Feeling uncomfortable, I moved to the back of the bus—but he followed.

I was scared and ready to leave at the next stop, even though it wasn’t my destination. As I stood up, the man grabbed my wrist and said, “Don’t you even dare.” My fear grew, but then I noticed his attention wasn’t on me. He was watching the driver, who had been staring at me through the mirror since I first got on.

The man quietly explained that he had noticed the driver watching me closely and reaching for his phone whenever I moved. He told me not to get off alone at that stop and promised to leave with me at a safer, busier location. We stayed silent for three more stops until we reached a place with a petrol station, a 24-hour shop, and other people nearby.

He walked me inside the shop and waited until he knew I was safe before leaving. I never learned his name or where he was going, but I will always remember that he noticed the danger I missed and chose to help. Sometimes the person who seems frightening at first may be the one making sure you get home safely. What would you do in that situation?