Taipei’s nights always carry a humid glow—part neon, part human warmth. That evening, I got off work late. After grabbing a drink with friends in Xinyi District, I was heading home. Just as I walked past a small alley near the MRT station, I saw her.
She was sitting on the steps outside a bar, her long hair slightly tousled, holding a silver bracelet in her hand, giggling quietly to herself. A guy stood next to her, smiling in that overly slick kind of way, saying something that made her cover her face nervously.
I wasn’t planning to get involved—but something about the way she recoiled made me pause.
That wasn’t a playful moment between friends.
That was someone uncomfortable.
I stepped forward and said naturally, “Hey, there you are! I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”
She looked up—there was a flash of uncertainty in her eyes. Then, like someone grabbing onto a lifeline, she stood up with a smile. “Oh! You’re here—I was just wondering how to contact you. My phone’s dying.”
I turned to the guy and said calmly, “Thanks. I’ll take her home.”
He looked confused, hesitated, then gave a forced smile and walked off.
We went to the nearby convenience store. She finally exhaled deeply and leaned against the wall. “Thank you… I didn’t know what to do back there. I didn’t even know him. He started out asking for directions but got weird fast. I had a little to drink, and my head was spinning.”
I handed her a bottle of water. “It’s okay now. You’re safe.”
She nodded, still visibly shaken, but trying her best to smile. “You’re honestly the best thing that happened to me tonight.”
I didn’t ask for her name, and I didn’t give mine. I just sat beside her on one of those little plastic chairs outside the convenience store, until her friend came to pick her up.
Sometimes, a hero doesn’t wear a cape.
Sometimes, they’re just the person who shows up at the right time, and does the right thing.
As I got up to leave, she stood and waved. “Thank you, stranger.”
I smiled, and disappeared into the crowd.
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