There seems to be an unspoken rule for this particular room; no loud voices.
Whispers hover around the airpace around the room. You are sitting in an uncomfortable chair, in the same clothes as yesterday, drinking sludge, without a decent meal; you just want to speak with someone of authority to get better chairs. You'd think with all the traffic in this place, chairs would be more comfortable. Hell, your office chair was better than this. Christ.
Another thing, what happens if the stranger two seats down is having a fucking awful day and you, accidentally make eye contact smile with that ridiculous glib look on your face. The person doesn't smile back, does that make you feel like an ass? Or does it make you feel sorry for that stranger, even though you'll never know why they didn't smile back? Maybe they are just unpleasant? You can't think about it too long because your mood will not be spoiled.
The doctor walks in, everyone stops whispering. You look up, wondering if this doctor is coming for you. He calls your name. You are happy to get stretch your legs and hear the news.
Luckily, it turns out to be the best day of his life. You should be jumping on couches, running down the hall, sharing your blessed news with strangers – but you don't.
You just exit the waiting room quietly and head to the room where your partner is.
You smile as you enter, "Nice of you to come back to us, David."
"As you know, Tony, it will take a lot more to get rid of me."