The bridge is missing two slats, and you must leap a two-foot gap to move ahead. You hesitate as you look down. You’re afraid. The hiker in front has already crossed, and leans forward, his hand outstretched, inviting you to try. “It’ll be fine,” he tells you. Your fear lessens, and your willingness increases. Yes, it’ ll be fine, you tell yourself, and you leap. The day before, another traveler on that same footbridge faced the same two-foot gap, but the hiker behind him pushed him toward the gap.

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