During the night, I was woken up repeatedly. Max and Cybil were arguing again.

My thighs spasmed, and my legs were filled with pebbles and they were being rushed around my body by water. Then my calf muscles started twitching and hardening. My back and shoulders got in on the action. It was  as if my body were a symphony and it was singing to me.

When I woke this morning, I could barely walk. I shuffled around this morning, doing my old counting trick, seeing how far I could get.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.

In the shower, I was up one moment and then I was down. I didn’t slip so much as the tub rushed up to meet me. I remember reaching for the soap and then I was down on my knees, water rushing over my head.

I pulled myself out of the shower and got ready to face the day. Moving hurt, dressing hurt, but I pushed through it, the pain but a barrier that I could move across.

On the bus, I lost my balance and ended up falling into an older man. He was very nice and didn’t seem to mind getting to know me close up. He helped me to my seat and asked if I was all right. I was touched by his kindness when I expected him to tell me off.

During the day, I was careful as I moved around the office and didn’t have a mishap. No, that happened on the bus ride home.

I shuffled on to the bus and all the seats were full. A man old enough to be my grandfather offered me his seat just as the bus began to move. I lost my balance completely and a woman who was standing caught me before I fell. Another young woman gave me her seat so the older gentleman could remain seated.

Like the older man this morning, the woman made sure I was seated. When she knew I was okay, she let go of me. When I arrived at my stop, she helped me to stand and helped me off the bus.

I looked at her and tried to show my gratitude in two simple words: “Thank you.”

She waved my thanks away. “What would the world be like if we didn’t look after each other?”

Going home from the bus stop, I felt lighter. I had received help from two ordinary, everyday angels. I only hope they know how thankful I am.