(no subject)

[stop_the_rain]

Two questions:

How many kids under eighteen are in here?

Is there a priest around anywhere?

Comments

[corvus_veritas]

Very funny.

[stop_the_rain]

It's not supposed to be....

Oh shit.

No, I need a priest.

[strikeout legible if you squint]

[corvus_veritas]

And why would that be?

...Yeah. Let's hope it's not supposed to be that.

As far as I know, there is no priest here. Just the Chapel.

[stop_the_rain]

Look, I get that I probably should have posted those things separately. But I was just trying to save time. I think it's sick as fuck that they've got kids here, and I want to know how many they're doing this to.

And that's bullshit, there's not even a chaplain? What are you supposed to do if you have...you know. Religious needs.

[corvus_veritas]

As long as that's all there is to it, I agree.

[There was an additional comment here, but it's been scratched out entirely. Because, y'know. Getting on this guy's case about certain bad words kids shouldn't read seems kind of foolish and slightly hypocritical when so much worse is going on at the moment.]

I don't know. Pray?

Personally, I think there are more important things to worry about than the lack of a priest.

[stop_the_rain]

Trust me, that's all there is to it. No one should ever hurt a kid.

There are things a guy needs a priest for. Especially with those other things to worry about going on.

[corvus_veritas]

No, no one should. [pen taps] Forgive me for sounding overly suspicious, but I'm a father. It comes naturally.

I would beg to differ, but you know what, to each his own. Just make sure 'not getting killed' is high on your priority list.

[stop_the_rain]

Hey man, I can get that. Don't sweat it.

That's pretty much always priority number one.

[handwriting SO VERY ANONYMOUS]

[complicatedliar]

About what do you need to talk with a god?

And which god?

[stop_the_rain]

That's between me and Him.

...God? The one from the Bible?

[handwriting SO VERY ANONYMOUS]

[complicatedliar]

Ah, the Christian god. How... monotheistic.

[stop_the_rain]

Yeah, I'm Catholic.

[handwriting SO VERY ANONYMOUS]

[complicatedliar]

I'm terribly sorry.

[stop_the_rain]

Yeah. Sometimes I am, too.

[handwriting SO VERY ANONYMOUS]

[complicatedliar]

Perhaps it's time to consider trying a different god. There's loads of them about.

[stop_the_rain]

Look, I'm not looking for a religious debate or advice or whatever. I'm just trying to see if I can find a priest.

[envy_the_sinners]

There are a lot of kids here. I spoke with one this morning who couldn't have even been a teenager. It's sick.

And I would be shocked if this hellhole had a priest.

[stop_the_rain]

That's what I was afraid of.

Even prisons have chaplains.

[envy_the_sinners]

Well this isn't exactly a prison.

[very pretty copperplate]

[impudentsongbird]

I'm not a priest, but I'm qualified to stand in for one. What do you need?

[stop_the_rain]

I'll take what I can get.

To make confession.

[impudentsongbird]

I see. One thing I'm not qualified for is to absolve you on behalf of our Lord, I'm afraid, but I'm a very good listener and can swear that nothing you tell me will go any further. Is that alright?

[stop_the_rain]

Why am I not surprised?

Let me think about it. Thanks, though, either way.

[impudentsongbird]

I'm sorry I can't offer more. If you decide you'd still like someone to talk to, I. haven't been assigned a room yet, but you can leave a message here for Gabe.

[stop_the_rain]

It's not your fault. I've just got...bad luck.

I probably could use somebody to talk to.

[impudentsongbird]

Then I'd be happy to oblige! I haven't seen the chapel yet, myself. Would you like to meet there sometime? If not today, then perhaps tomorrow?

[stop_the_rain]

Yeah. Yeah, thanks.

Before dinner, maybe? Or tomorrow's fine.

[impudentsongbird]

It looks like we have another shift before then, so that's fine. Who should I be looking for?

[stop_the_rain]

....

You know what, I hate to be a dick jerk, but...

I don't think I'm ready. Maybe tomorrow....

I'm sorry.

[impudentsongbird]

No, it's okay. Take all the time you need. You know how to contact me whenever you're ready.

[folded, with Murphy's name]

[impudentsongbird]

[Sometime just before dinner, a simple rosary appears strung onto a pin beside these notes. It's clearly been made from the resources in the Arts and Crafts room, and there's an accompanying message.]

I thought you could use this. Take care.

[unsigned, but in her usual script]

[avengingfists]

I know of several young kids here. Why are you asking?

[stop_the_rain]

I guess...I just want to know how bad the people running this place really are.

[avengingfists]

I see. Then in that sense, these people are the dregs of society, I'm sorry to say.

[unsigned]

[knightspirit]

I don't think age is the issue here. It's no better no matter who it is.

[stop_the_rain]

It takes a special kind of sick SOB to go after kids.

[hairraising]

I just turned eighteen a little over a week ago. I don't get what priests have to do with the first question, though.

[Added as an afterthought.] Actually while I'm here, what are priests? I'm pretty sure I've heard that word in books before, but I don't really have a clear picture of what they are. They wear weird robes and speak in old languages, right?

[Added as an even hastier afterthought.] I don't get out much.

- Rapunzel

[stop_the_rain]

[Murphy has had to stare at this for a while, and it's obvious he started and scratched out many attempts at responses.]

They don't. I just asked both to save time.

.......

So a priest is someone who dedicated their life to their religion and God. They take care of churches and hold services and help the people who are part of their churches figure out religion stuff. And other stuff, too, but mostly the religious stuff. And they can't get married or own their own houses or anything, because they've dedicated everything to God and the church.

Mass is in Latin, and I guess some of the higher ranking papacy wear some pretty weird robes. And hats. But regular priests just wear black. So...I guess they're like spiritual guidance counselors, sort of.

Look are you...are you messing with me?