“Just relax, okay? We’ll check your blood pressure and see if it’s safe for you to stay on the bus or if we need to get you to a hospital.”

The passengers, who had previously looked away in discomfort or disinterest, now watched intently. There was an unspoken shift in the atmosphere, a collective holding of breath as the young man worked with quiet competence.

The monitor beeped softly, and he examined it with a nod, his brow furrowing in concentration. “It’s high, but not dangerously so. You’re going to be okay, but we should get you to a doctor soon.”