When wandering through the forest, in which I had been for some time, following the same path, I came to a fork in the road. Not knowing which path to take I stopped to ponder my dilemma. I considered turning back, but this seemed an inappropriate answer because I had come such a short way and to return would defeat the the point of leaving in the first place.

What was my purpose in leaving? Ah I remember I wondered what lay at the end of the path and believed that somehow it would be better than the place I had left.

As I stood there alone at the fork in the road I must have looked peculiar, as I had been standing in the one spot for some time now. A stranger appeared walking toward me down the path to the right, I thought to myself this stranger can help me with my problem he obviously knows what lies at the end of the path on the right. 'Friend' I announced in his direction, he looked at me nonchalantly.'Can you tell me what lies at the end of the path you have just come down?' 'Why do you ask?' he responded. 'I am contemplating following this path to its conclusion'. 'Do you think it would be wise of me, although I am a stranger to you and have no real concern for your welfare other than that I would afford to any person I met on my travels. Do you think it wise for me to recommend you take the path that I have left, and the conclusion of which I do not wish to return to?' 'Maybe it is not your recomendation I seek, but instead some idea, or information as to what I could expect if I take the path you have taken, as I am confused as to go to the left or the right'

The stranger glanced past me along the path that I had come, and paused for a moment. I noticed he was much older than I or at least looked older as it may not have been the passing of time that had aged him. He also seemed perplexed at my question and was starting to become slightly agitated. If the conclusion of the path to the right had made this man age before his time and made him feel confused and agitated, perhaps it would be best for me not to take that path, and head down the one to the left instead.

The stranger stared at my face for some time and then began to speak. 'If you need to know about a place before you go there, turn around and head back to the place you know best. You look like a fit young man, clean, well dressed, the place from which you came has treated you well, it seems like a place that would be good for me.' the stranger patted me on the shoulder, smiled as if to say thank you, and headed down the path on which I had come.