She felt a pang of sympathy for the man before her, a recognition of shared human vulnerability. Yet, despite the sympathy stirring within her, Clara was overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the situation. The thought of intervening and helping a stranger, especially in the midst of her own busy life, felt daunting.
Her grocery bags were already straining her grip, and the practical demands of her day loomed large. She was acutely aware of the approaching bus, which was due any minute, and her need to catch it to get home. The bus represented more than just a mode of transport; it was a lifeline to her own responsibilities and routines.