Most heartbreaking [and but] inspiring stories happen on the streets

Most heartbreaking [and/but]  inspiring stories happen on the streets. I was on a jeepney, texting my blockmate about my bluebook requests when the vehicle passed by PGH. A guy, about fifteen years old, who could hardly walk got inside the jeepney. He could barely open his eyes and he continuously held his handkerchief to cover his nose and mouth. After him, three men of his company got in, each of them carrying a big bag. The fiteen-year old boy was seated, still looking weak.

I had no idea what he was suffering (suffered) from. He probably took an operation or other medical treatments. I got off the jeepney when it reached my destination, Pedro Gil. I felt sad with what I saw. I wondered why a guy so weak who could barely move, with three men (probably one, his father and the other two his older brothers) carrying heavy bags had to take the public transportation?

I first asked this question several months ago. I believe it was a –ber month. It was already 7:30pm. It was raining hard. I reached Recto Station of LRT-2 and saw a young couple with a newly born baby who were having their bags checked before they can get entrance to the train station. The father was carrying the bag which most likely contained clothes from their stay in the hospital. The mother was holding the baby, trying to cover his entire body with tiny clothings and towels. “These are the people who deserved a car, or even a cab, for that matter,” I said to myself.

Well, these anecdotes happened before my eyes and left questions. I felt guilty of not having done anything. I did not know then how I could have helped (or if I should have helped). At the back of my mind were piecemeal solutions – they deserved to take the cab.