I saw them clearly...

Amy wasn't enough. The chemicals ingested, covered her pain once again. Years of lack and emptiness tugged at her soul each moment she endured.

Carl barked at us. He fought to control. His words missed my buttons, barely tickling my ears. He deflected and alarmed with great volume. More shield than direction, his words pointed us to Amy.

Jenny shook in guilted fear, torn by her love for Amy, and desire for escape. Cowering in the corner, her eyes captured mine, and her image was clear. No love had she known. No ease in her soul.

Amy sat up and acknowledged. No need for us here. We departed with haste, gone as quickly as we had come.

--------------------

Tonight for me was different. I saw them all clear. My mind carried no judgement. I'd been on this same call hundreds of times. So why my clear vision? Why no scoffs and no dismissals? On my way back to the station, it hit me like a truck. I'm seeing myself clearer than ever. Things once concealed and knocking in silence are now in the open. Understanding ourselves leads to understanding others. When we stop judging ourselves, it opens the door to stop judging others.

* names have been changed to protect the innocent and guilty alike

*this is a work of fiction

*neither you nor I know these folks (or do we?)