Leap of Faith

A man found himself wandering in a barren place. He was surrounded by a fog and could not see far in any direction. He turned to look behind him and saw a huge, menacing looking animal running silently after him. He started to run and was horrified to find it still there each time he looked over his shoulder.


Suddenly he found himself at an edge which, because of the fog, looked like the world had come to an end. He turned to see the huge creature bearing down on him. He tried to cry out but his voice was frozen in fear.

Almost immediately he heard someone shouting "Jump, you'll be safe".
"I can't", the man said, "I can't see you".
Again he heard "Jump, I'll catch you".

He looked back only to see the creature launch itself at him. He threw himself into the fog in the direction of the voice which had called to him.

He landed softly, as if having floated down. He looked to see who had caught him but it wasn't anyone he knew.
"How did you know I was up there?" he asked.
"I heard your silent cries" replied the stranger.
"I find it incredible that you should be down here at precisely the right time" said the man, "and that you would catch me when you could not see me".

"I'm here all the time now", said the stranger, "The 'Evil One', as I call him, drives so many people to the edge that I have become the 'resident catcher'."

"Does everyone jump?" asked the man.
"Sadly, no", said the stranger, "Some people would choose to be torn to pieces rather than take a leap into the unknown."

"Come now", said the stranger, "Let me help you back on to firm ground."
"But won't the 'Evil One' still be there?"
"Oh, yes," the stranger replied, "he's always around but, once you have taken the leap of faith, he can't hurt you".