Sometimes people act in ways that seem like they belong in a movie because they are so brave, generous, or surprising. These aren’t stories of celebrities or big crowds; rather, they are about regular people taking tough choices, quietly stepping up, or making a difference in someone’s life when it mattered most. We chose a few real-life instances where someone’s actions were so memorable that they stuck in their mind forever.

Story 1: A woman pressed a sanitary pad into my hand while I was with my boyfriend. You need this, she said. I checked in the bathroom to make sure I wasn’t on my period. There was a strange feeling. Two words appeared in shaky red ink and frantic writing when I opened the pad: “Google him.”

I didn’t understand at first. My boyfriend, with whom I had only been dating for two weeks, was the only person present. However, my curiosity overcame me. With little expectation, I pulled out my phone and looked up his name. I was astounded by what I discovered.

My entire world fell apart. I realized I was only happy for his next post, even though I had thought I had finally found the one. Without a word, I dropped him off at the airport.
I sincerely thank that stranger, even though I never saw her again. She rescued me before I plummeted further.

Story 2: Having recently moved to New York City alone at the age of 18, I was attempting to fit in with the local way of life after moving from a small Southern town. I had never taken the train before, and I didn’t know how to purchase a MetroCard.

Then, this guy told everyone to relax after stepping out of the line. He arrived, walked me through the process step-by-step, and bought me a 12-ride card. “The next time someone yells at you, yell back, and they’ll leave you alone,” he said, giving me a pat on the back.