Be curious, not judgemental

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Isn't it ironic that hospitals, where people go to get better have a stink that makes me feel sick? Or am I the only person that can smell it? I had to go to the hospital today cause my grandma wasn't feeling so good. While waiting in the emergency room I did what I always do when I have nothing else to do (apart from sleeping), people watching. My aunt took my grandma to see the doctor and I was waiting for them in a room full of sick people.

A lady police officer and another lady sat next to me. It took me a few seconds to realize that the other lady was poorly dressed, had uncombed hair and wore handcuffs. I tried hard not to stare. She seemed to be in a lot of pain. On one hand I felt sorry for her and on the other hand I was afraid. Saved by the bell my aunt and grandma stepped out of the examination room and motioned for me to sit up front next to them and I did. I hope the lady didn't think I was running away from her.

We waited for a while and I kept myself from looking behind me, afraid that she'd be staring back. The nurse called her name out and the lady cop escorted her to the examination room. At that moment all eyes in the room were on the woman in the handcuffs. I instantly felt angry at all of them and wanted to defend her. Wasn't it enough that she was in handcuffs? And then I realized I was one of those people, I was staring. I felt ashamed and quickly looked away.

Why do people do that? Why do we stare and judge instantly like it is possible to actually judge a book by its cover. I don't know what that woman did to get herself in handcuffs but I know I have no right to judge her. There are people being paid to do that. I just hope she gets well soon. Isn't that what you say when people get sick?