Age is just a number, right? RIGHT?

I am not a judgemental person. If you're a regular, you'll know I always put myself in other peoples shoes...I'm stumped though. I actually can't do it this time.

We have these family friends we've known for years! There eldest daughter is a year older than I am and their youngest daughter (let's call her X because I am that original) is the same age as my sister (21 turning 22). In fact, we all go way back to primary school.

Well, at my sisters graduation on Tuesday, we all bumped into each other, which was so lovely considering we haven't seen them in a while. I noticed her parents and one of her dad's friends.
Something seemed amiss though. They all seemed to be awkward around each other. X seemed to be distant from her parents.
I didn't think too hard about it. We had the lovely ceremony and then there were refreshments afterwards.
Again, it struck me as odd that X didn't come up to her parents afterwards and be congratulated or be in the photographs etc etc...

The next minute X disappears. Mrs. X comes up to my mom and I and she looked all weepy. She whispered to us: "Do you see that guy standing over there?"
She pointed at Mr. X's friend standing talking to X.
"Well," she continued. "They're dating. They have been for 4 months and our lives have been turned upside down."
Well my mom and I do not get the award for TACT, but our reactions were certainly HONEST!
I mean holy shit! Here is a 53 year old guy dating a 21 year old.
To make things even worse, this guy is a friend of the fathers...he has been a family friend since X was born and practically watched her grow up.
Oh and if that still isn't bad? His 21 year old daughter is best friends with X! Although I can't imagine they would be anymore.

I'm sorry to be judgemental but COME ON!! What the hell is this 53 year olds intentions with a 21 year old...a 21 year old you have family history with.
Something is wrong.

Her parents are besides themselves and the problem is they've sat down with the guy plenty of times trying to talk to him and the more they talk to X, the more she gravitates towards this creepy old dude.

My mom and I felt like total shit because of the way we reacted while this poor woman (normally very strong) broke down.

I haven't stopped thinking about it.