The Kindness of Strangers
You are the third one that comes here this morning, said Emma. Why am I so popular? The nurse checks in on me and gives me free medicine. It must be free because I didn't order it. I don't have any money to pay for it either. Emma remarks with contempt, the social worker came in and spoke to me as if I knew her. I feel uncomfortable talking to a stranger who asks me personal questions, such as where I was born, when I was born, or I have ever been hospitalized for mental problems? Emma raises her voice. Now you come in here, I could be your grandmother, asking me questions too. You're telling me they want to put me in a home. I don't want to go to a home.
Emma relaxes and says, sure, I'll talk to you. I am not going anywhere. The doors are locked and I'm not strong or athletic enough to break down the door or climb over the fence. She says, Can I ask you why do you feel I cannot take care of myself? Well, yes, I do live in the street. What is wrong with that? I never harmed anyone. Yes, I eat sometimes. I depend on the kindness of strangers and the people at the mission. Don't worry about me, she says. Emma smiles and adds, look at you. You could stand to lose a few pounds, chubby. You're going to get a heart attack. Emma laughs. As for clothes, what I have on is enough for me. I am a simple person.
Emma looks away toward the ceiling and says, I don't feel that I'm sick. I've lived longer than you. I have seen things in my lifetime that you will never experience. She says, the doctor, the nurse, and the social worker are all as young as you. They don't know anything. If you're going to take their side, then I already lost. Do I talk to myself? What kind of stupid question is that? Emma's voice gets loud. They told you that they saw me speaking to myself when there was no one in the room? This is why you're asking? I'll be honest and don't take things the wrong way, says Emma in a calmer tone. I do speak to Jesus sometimes. He is always there for me when I need guidance.
Emma becomes animated and says, would you like to speak with Him? He is in the room with me now. Emma stares at the ceiling and says, he spoke to me just now as you were asking me all these questions. He believes you are troubled and says you don't go to confession. Is this true? Emma says, I know you are here to talk to me, but Jesus is here. Are you more important than Jesus? Emma's voice gets loud again and says, I won't answer anymore of your questions if you don't answer His questions. I have been given the divine power to speak on His behalf. I'm sorry, but you have to leave the room now if you don't answer my questions.