The Last Temptation of Wormwood

Wormwood, the apprentice demon, was sure of his victory. He had been working tirelessly on his human subject, calculating his every move. His efforts seem to be finally culminating in success. The man, once a devoted believer, was now questioning the existence of God himself. Wormwood's master, Screwtape, would certainly be pleased.

The man's faith had always been strong, an obstacle in Wormwood's path. Evening prayers were his solace, his stronghold against the whispers of Wormwood. The demon was far from frustrated, he was strategic, patient, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The man's faith wavered during a catastrophic tragedy; the loss of his wife. It was then Wormwood began his games.

He attempted to lead the man astray, blurring his thoughts with anger and resentment. The man blamed God for his misfortune, it's easier to blame an unseen entity after all. Doubts began to flood his mind, like a dam breaking, leaving room for Wormwood's influence to grow.

As days turned into weeks, the man's faith was on the brink of ruin. Wormwood was ecstatic, the dark joy in his heart was palpable. But then something unexpected happened. The man, in his devastation, cried out for God. It was not a plea of anger but of desperation. He was shattered, and in his brokenness, he asked for forgiveness.

Wormwood snarled at this unexpected turn. His victory was at the edge of his claws, now slipping away. He couldn't let this happen. He intensified his efforts, filled the man's mind with delusions of God's indifference. The man fought back, clinging onto his faith like a lifeline. His prayers were desperate, filled with anguish and yet, they were filled with a belief Wormwood feared.

In the end, Wormwood's clever manipulations faltered. The man's faith won over his despair. Screwtape certainly wouldn't be pleased. But Wormwood learned a bitter lesson that day; the essence of human free-will and faith is far stronger than any demon's influence.

In his failure, he understood that while he can provide temptations, the choice ultimately lies with humans. Although defeated, Wormwood's resolve hardened; he was, after all, an apprentice demon in training. And there would be other humans, other opportunities. But he knew now, faith was not something he could easily manipulate.