Fr. Luke looked down to the boy below; he didn't seem to have any problems with the water, maybe it was too warm out for him.<br/><br/>"Wow, Hope!  That is a hard question.  We can be lonely sometimes because being in a position of leadership is very lonely."  He looked around as if making sure Bishop or someone wasn't in the room.<br/><br/>"Sometimes we are lonely too because we are not allowed to marry, and our friendships are only supposed to be with deacons or brothers or other priests.  Like, if the Bishop knew about the fun friendship you and I have - I could be sanctioned for it.  Priests aren't supposed to have good female friendships, never mind the marrying or fornicating part.  But, I think all men are supposed to have both men and women friends.<br/><br/>"But even more than that, sometimes I stand up in front of the people on Sunday.  I see men, women, boys, and girls who are enjoying each other's company and who are going to do family things together.  We priests don't get to do that stuff except if we still have moms and dads that are still alive."  Then turning to Hope, he said, "But I'm lucky to have you."