Quint went inside, and Eli and JP eventually joined us by the fire.
“Why do we all hate Mick so much?” JP asked.
I felt wrong for being present when that question was asked. It had to do with their family; I had no right to know the answer.
“Because he has done some really bad things,” Eli answered, looking at his brother.
“Yes, but why do we hate him? What has he done to us?” JP asked.
“John Paul,” Eli answered, “you must decide for yourself who you hate. No one decides that for you, and I would encourage you not to hate. Hate destroys the person who hates. It is not how God wants us to live.” He was watching the flames fight for their freedom before returning to the burning wood.
“You really are a priest,” Josh said, as if he was thinking out loud.
“I really am,” Eli said, his voi
