One night a man was sleeping when he was awakened by an angel.

“Come,” the angel said. “It’s time to go.”

“Go where?” the man asked.

“To the next world,” the angel replied. “Your time here is finished.” And although he didn’t want to, the man found himself following the angel into the shadows.

“I know you are taking me to be punished,” the man said sadly. “I have been a wicked man.”

“I am taking you to paradise,” the angel replied.

“To paradise?” the man said doubtfully. “Are you sure?” For he had been a hard, greedy businessman, cruel and dismissive toward people and always in pursuit of money.

“Yes, to paradise,” said the angel. And then they came to an infinite space full of gold. “The Divine Will rewards each person with what they love. This is your paradise.”

The man saw a carpet of glittering gold coins stretching into infinity – but nothing else. No people, no palaces, no gardens, no orchards. Only gold.

“By the Grace of God, here you will stay for eternity,” said the angel. And vanished, leaving the man alone.