Always enjoy the rush hour when the world is rushing the other way. I get on the Tokyu Toyoko-sen, Limited Express, bound for Yokohama. Empty train car, save a sleeping boy cat-stretched across four seats.

Never mind, off we go.

3 minutes later – Naka-Meguro Station. The sleeping boy remains sacked out, slumbering. Passengers glance and frown at him, but soon take their places and feign ignorance. By Jiyugaoka I begin to worry, the sleeping boy hasn’t moved – not a muscle in 9 minutes.

It’s then I notice, beneath his dangling arm, a mobile on the ground. I get up to retrieve it – and then see blood – trickles of it dried down the side of his mouth. Something’s definitely wrong. I feel the stares of others fixed on me – I’m causing a scene. But I tap the sleeping boy on the shoulder anyway, nudge him and ask if he’s all right. No one bothers to offer assistance and I feel angry as I have to ask, “Someone call a station attendant!”

But no one does. No one moves, except to look the other way.

8 minutes later – Hiyoshi Station. Passengers pouring into the train car, passengers streaming out. Everyone jostling for their favourite positions as furtive looks are cast my way. And then out of the blue, a 20-something female acknowledges me. She apologizes as she makes for the doors, says she can’t be late for work but she’ll call for help.

And I’m left in a moment that almost goes on forever…

Until a handful of station attendants appear like whirling dervishes. They scurry inside and methodically proceed. Passengers are ordered to clear the area, and I’m pushed to the side as they identify the sleeping boy and carry his body onto a stretcher. I remember the mobile and attempt to explain, but it’s ripped from my hand as they all whisk away.

In the end an empty train car, save me. Bloody fucking efficient, I think.

…as I feel the cross stares of those who’ve been delayed, inconvenienced by my interference.

Beware when doing good deeds.