Phoenix Maplewood Why did God create atheists?

When addressed, Esma's first reaction was to freeze in place and only, when she recognized a familiar and friendly face, she eased up and smiled sincerely at the man. John. The man with One and Only God. The person, who had inadvertently steered this potential loyal sheep from the world of Atka and Sos on a path less travelled and unkown. And seeing him here now made it clear to Esma that part of the reasons for her being so far away from home was that she had hoped to run into this fellow again. 

"If I was under the wing of your God, wouldn't he guide me and tell me, what is safe or what is not?" she asked, approaching him to greet him properly by canine standards. "Or... if I were to perish, it would mean that it was your God's plan all along. Or if I survived, it would mean that he had protected me. Which one would it be?" she asked, smiling, genuinely curious, not mocking.