THE CHASM 

By Tessa Harvey

    At first Brodie captivated Dylan. He had no idea that the spiritual world was so real. It felt exciting and dangerous. But then Dylan began to feel uneasy. He felt Brodie was going down a dark path and tried to tell him this. The other boy would not listen, determined to try out little spells and tricks to try to torment staff or pupils he had issues with.

    Then he became almost possessive about Dylan, demanding more of his time and attention. Dylan sensed a growing darkness in Brodie. The boy kept stalking him. Finally Dylan talked to his form teacher, a sensible man in his early forties. He listened patiently, a small frown puckering his brow.

    "Step away," he cautioned Dylan. "Only God can master evil. Practicing witchcraft will destroy you. It is foolish and dangerous.

    The staff member also talked to Brodie with the same warning, but also encouraging him about his gifts in sports, building him up. 

    Soon, Brodie was full of enthusiasm for track and field events, the visiting uncle had gone home and Brodie, now wanted to save up for a motorbike. He had new dreams.

    Ariella came to talk to Dylan one lunchtime. They sat down together under the shade trees on the old wooden benches.

    Comparing lunches, they giggled over some of the same comedy movies that they liked to watch. "Would you like to come with me to the Christian Club?" she asked nervously as they were packing up the food wrappers for the battered trash can.

    "I want to talk to Mr. Evans first," Dylan answered slowly, "about Evolution. I need to know more."