The last thing Neil remembers before being viciously attacked on a Melbourne bus was sitting by the driver, chatting to a couple about the AFL.
His next memories are lying on the side of the highway in pain, surrounded by paramedics and police.
The 53-year-old, who does not want his surname used, was the victim of what police believe was an unprovoked attack that left him needing two surgeries and a three-week stint in hospital.
He had been out with friends when he boarded a bus in Pakenham to head home about 1pm on June 4.
"There was one too many (people) for the Uber, so I decided to catch the bus - and then my whole life changed," he said.
He has chatting to two other passengers when he was suddenly struck several times in the head and upper body by another passenger, leaving him unconscious.
His nose and four of his ribs were broken and he needed stitches above his left eye.
Then, on Neil's sixth day at The Alfred hospital, his lung collapsed.
He is still physically recovering from the attack and is still "really struggling" mentally.
"I'm paranoid constantly," he said.
"It's on my mind all the time.
"I don't know who did this, I don't know why."
Detective Leading Senior Constable Megan Fisher said the incident appears to have been "unprovoked".
Police are calling for help to find the attacker, who is perceived to be of Middle Eastern appearance and described as being short, with a stocky build, brown hair and a beard.
The attacker boarded the bus at Cardinia Station before the attack occurred in Beaconsfield near High Street.
The bus did not have working cameras at the time of the assault.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.
