#ai
,! ,s;g (! ,sir5s

,9 late ,decemb]1 #aiih1 =! second "t 9 my life1 ,i f.d myf back on ! slag
h1p4 ,i c't :olehe>t$ly say t ,i 0 ?rill$ 6be back1 b ,i _h _h a ye> 6p9e
ov] la/ ye>'s failure1 &! /ory desp]ately ne$$ an 5d+4 ,aconcagua is a h>%
l&4 ,"s critics call$ x1 8! _w's talle/ rub# h1p10 &! less cr1tive1 simply
8an ugly br[n h1p ( rocks40 ,2l base camp ! wat] collect$ f /r1ms is fleck$
) br[n swirlies & vague ta/es ( mule dung & hi<] up1 ! anci5t ice is lay]$
) rocks & grime4 ,despite all ( ?1 ,i f.d myf bo>d+ an ,aero ,>g5t9a jet )
my climb+ "pn]1 ,*ris ,morris1 h1d+ = ,m5dosa4

,:5 ,i decid$ ,i wd return 6,aconcagua1 ,i 2gan rack+ my bra9 = sponsor%ip1
& ironic,y x 0 9t5se eye pa9 f glaucoma t _h giv5 me ! idea ": 6look4 ,at
hi< altitude on la/ ye>'s ,aconcagua exp$i;n1 my "r eye felt l x 0 go+
6pop1 & n[ x 0 2g9n+ 6a6ect me at l[] & l[] altitudes4 ,rec5tly1 :ile camp+
\ at ei<t ?\s& feet1 ,i _h wri!d 9 agony "? ! ni<t & g"o "? alm a full
bottle ( ,advil & n[1 9 ,d5v]1 only five ?\s& feet1 ,i _h be5 wak+ up at
ni<t )a dull ?ro2+ a*e 9 my eyeball t (t5 ext5d$ 6my :ole h1d4 ,ellie _h f/
notic$ a gray fleck gr[+ 9 my pupil1 : soon exp&$ 6cov] ! :ole pupil1 mak+
x look cl\dy4 ,ev5tu,y "! 0 no visi# sep>,n 2t ! :ite "p ( my eye & my
once-black pupil4 ,:5 ,i f9,y w5t 6! doctor1 he te/$ ! pressure 9 ! eye1 &
j l :5 my left eye _h be5 te/$ alm t5 ye>s ago1 my "r eye pressure al
regi/]$ (f ! *>ts4

,my curr5t doctor _h su7e/$ s"eal tr1t;ts3 f/1 a 2nign s]ies ( eye drops &
secondly1 a radical las] proc$ure call$ cyclophotocoagul,n4 ,! doctor
expla9$ ! grim proc$ure4 ,us+ a las] sixty "ts m p[];l ?an ! "os us$ 9 a
doctor's (fice1 he wd bla/ away at ! front membrane ( my eyeball1 : wd
hope;lly damage ! membrane 5 6all[ fluid1 curr5tly trapp$ 9 my eyeball1
6pass "? x4 ,he _h put a p5cil eras] 9 my h&4 8,if ,i focus$ ! las] on t
eras]1 x wd 2 reduc$ 6a *>r$ black nub4 ,h"o/ly1 ,i don't "k if ? w "w1 b
if x does1 x sure b1ts ! alt]native40 ,i respect$ 8 frank;s & will+;s 6be
proactive1 :5 o!rs mi<t h too r1dily a3ept$ ! 9evitabil;y t ,i wd lose my
eye4 ,! proc$ure 2gan less ?an pl1santly4 ,i lay on my back on a sk9ny
metal ta# ) my doctor /&+ ov] me1 jamm+ a blunt ne$le "? my l[] eyelid4 ,he
li/5$ =! ?ree 4t9ct pops z ! ne$le broke "? ?ree lay]s ( c>tilage4 8,try
6keep yr eye op510 he w>n$4 ,! only sign t ! ne$le _hn't g"o too f> or
ruptur$ my eyeball 0 ! ?ree popp+ s.ds &! fact t my eye socket _hn't fill$
) blood4

8,"o surgeon pu%$ ! ne$le 9 too f> & froze ! pati5t's bra9 /em10 my doctor
rem>k$ z he /ood ov] me4

8,:at happ5$ 6hm80 ,i ask$1 z ,i =c$ my eye op5 & tri$ 6calm ! uncontrolla#
twit* 9 my legs4

8,oh1 he di$ 9 a fit ( 3vul.ns40 ,& ? 0 only ! anes!tiz+ "p4


,af my ?ird cyclophotocoagul,n1 my eye membrane 0 too fragile 6d ano!r1 b
my eye pressure _h only be5 br"\ d[n 6fifty1 a m>k$ improve;t b n 5 6tot,y
eradicate ! pa94 ,af 4cov]+ ! proc$ure _hn't "w$ z well z we _h hop$1 my
doctor did 8 be/ 63sole me1 8 h& on my %\ld]4 8,well1 at l1/ ,i didn't
freeze yr bra9 /em40

,af sixte5 ye>s ( bl;s1 "o ?+ ,i've le>n$ is t life is n"e m1nt 6be easy2
excit+1 *all5g+ maybe1 rew>d+ f "t 6"t1 b n"e easy4 ,ironic,y :5 ,i f9,y
a3ept$ ? r1l;y1 t's :5 life got easy4 ,s1 af reconcil+ myf 6glaucoma1 ,i
decid$ 6g 6! exp]ts4 ,i call$ ! ,glaucoma ,rese>* ,f.d,n1 an organiz,n
3c]n$ ) bo? glaucoma rese>* & prev5;n4 ,alm immly !y sign$ on 6sponsor !
climb4 ,despite impressive adv.es 9 m$ical te*nology1 :5 x came 6acute
glaucoma l m9e1 doctors 7 / reduc$ 6bla/+ away at ! eye or ripp+ x \4
,glaucoma _h ravag$ my eyes1 b maybe1 9 a t9y way1 ,i cd prev5t x f happ5+
6o!rs4 ,on la/ ye>'s ,aconcagua exp$i;n1 ! pa9 0 crippl+1 b ? ye>1 ,i 0
prep>$ ) an >s5al ( glaucoma drugs1 : wd hope;lly keep ! pressure at bay4
,! climb wd %[ glaucoma su6]]s t !y cd live h1l?y1 active lives1 p]suade p
6seek \ regul> eye *eckups1 & mo/ importantly1 ! result+ m$ia att5;n mi<t j
br+ a sli<tly fa/] cure 6glaucoma4

,dur+ \r failure (! previ\s ye>1 ! m.ta9 _h worn u d[n1 b1t5 u 96submis.n
&1 9 do+ s1 _h e>n$ \r 2grudg+ respect4 ,! w9d 0 ! wor/ "p1 sc\r+ ! dry
rocky soil & turn+ sky 6du/1 : cakes yr face & coats yr lungs4 ,x 0 a
rel5t.s w9d1 pu6+1 :ipp+1 swirl+1 & h[l+1 a w9d t _h 2come my p]sonal
nemesis & _h tak5 on liv+ propor;ns4 ,i lau< at ! phrase (t5 quot$ 9 climb+
lit]ature1 83qu]+ ! m.ta940 ,9 a h1d 6h1d fi<t1 ! m.ta9 w f> \tmat* !
/r;ge/ climb]s4 ,*ris ,morris _h sd1 8,! be/ y c hope = is 6sn1k 6! summit
:5 ! m.ta9 bl9ks40

,t is :at ,i l ab m.ta9s4 ,x is a r1lm ": humans hav5't r1*$ godlike /atus1
a r1lm t dem&s humil;y4 ,human frailty is amplifi$1 human ambi;n nullifi$4
,*ris didn't ?9k m* ( ambi;n4 ,! m.ta9s _h tau<t hm 6a3ept ! _w = :at x
was4 ,if ,i sd1 8,? w1!r sure sucks10 he'd %rug & reply )a h9t (a gr9 9 8
voice1 8,yessir6 ,x does at t10 & immly g back 6:at"e he 0 do+4 ,"s"ts ,i
wd make ! mistake ( say+1 8,i wi% x wasn't sn[+ s h>d10 or 8,if only ! w9d
wd /op =a :ile40

8,y "k :at ,i ?9k ab wi%+60 he'd %oot back4 8,y c wi% 9 "o h& & %it 9 ! o!r
& see : "o fills up f/40 ,or :5 he 0 9 a m poetic mood1 8,if .ifs1 .&s1 or
.buts 7 c&y & nuts1 we'd all h a m]ry f------ ,*ri/mas40

8,if y "e decide 6/op climb+10 ,i sd1 8y %d 2come a philosoph] ''' = simple
p1 ( c\rse4 ,imag9e yrf /&+ ov] yr m9ions--mo/ly old crot*ety climb+ bums1
g5]al fr1ks & dirt bags--proclaim+ important revel,ns ab n %itt+ 9 yr h&40

,on \r la/ ,aconcagua exp$i;n1 we _h be5 on ! m.ta9 = ei<te5 "ds1 on ! upp]
m.ta9 =a week4 ,e "d1 plumes ( sn[ rose hundr$s ( feet /rai<t up f ! summit
:ile a gauntlet ( w9d hamm]$ \r faces4 ,l;g /r+s ( cl\ds call$ m>e's tails
rac$ acr ! sky1 an om9\s sign ( bad w1!r 6-e1 & 0noon ea* "d1 ! m>e's tails
_h exp&$ 96d>k l5ticul> cl\ds : dump$ h1vy sn[ & dropp$ ! temp]ature fifty
degrees4 ,z usual1 we _h r1*$ \r hi< camp 9 rag+ w9d & sn[4 ,we lay %iv]+ 9
! t5ts li/5+ 6! 9sane flapp+ ( t5t walls until ,jeff *eck$ 8 ,walkman &
call$ \1 8,hey1 ,i'm gett+ "s tunes40 ,x 0 a fa9t1 fuzzy 4co /,n1 orig9at+
f ,m5dosa hundr$s ( miles away1 play+ *eesy1 ;,b-rat$ ?r[backs f !
sev5ties4 ,! f/ s;g 0 m appropriate ?an any "o ( u want$ 6admit4 ,x 0
titl$1 8,%e's a ,bad ,mama-,jama10 &! s;g 0 "r3 %e 0 ab ! ba4e/ mama-jama
any ( u _h "e 3front$4 ,! s;g gave me a sunk5 feel+1 & ,i cdn't help b
2lieve x 0 a mock+ taunt f ! m.ta9 gods4 ,we _h all tun$ 9 ) \r [n
,walkmans & sung al;g defiantly f \r ?ree sep>ate t5ts1 \r /ra9+ voices
practic,y dr[n$ \ 0! scr1m+ w9d4 8,%e's a bad mama-jama4 ,j z f9e z %e c
be6 ,h] body m1sure;ts >e p]fect 9 e dim5.n4 ,%e's got a figure t sure 5
gets att5;n4 ,%e's poetry 9 mo;n4 ,a b1uti;l si<t 6see4 ,i get s excit$
view+ h] anatomy40

,? ye>1 ,*ris & ,i left = ,aconcagua lat] 9 ! s1son1 a "d af ,*ri/mas4 ,la/
ye>'s failure _h made me bold]4 ,my plan 0 6be a7ressive1 6move up ! m.ta9
e "d1 ev5 dur+ m>g9al w1!r4 ,9 a ye> x 0 easy 6=get ! bad w1!r driv+ u
back1 ! ?9 oxyg5 sapp+ \r /r5g?4 ,s1 ,i 2gan 6d\bt :e!r we _h be5 a7ressive
5\<4 ,maybe we _h let \r *.es slip away4 ,? ye>1 ,i decid$1 we'd pu% ! r\te
a7ressively 6hi< camp & !n wait =a p]fect summit "d4 ,z m* z ,i lov$
6climb1 ,i 0 n -+ back 6? place a ?ird "t4

,i _h ! :ole climb plann$ \4 ,af summitt+1 ,i wd use ! radio ph"o at base
camp 6call a fl[] %op 9 ,d5v] & ord] fl[]s = ,ellie4 ,i ev5 _h ! note
plann$ \4 ,x wd r1d1 8,i miss y4 ,we summitt$4 ,i love y40 ,& x all wd 2
deliv]$ 6h] 9 h] classroom 9 front ( all h] six? grad]s1 a big b\quet ( r$
roses4 8,:at d we h "h80 %e'd ask amus$ly1 & :5 %e spoke 9 ? voice ,i cd
actu,y picture h] blue eyes sp>kl+4 ,all h] /ud5ts wd press >.d h]1 cran+
=w>d 6see ! c>d4

,am;g ,*ris1 ,hans1 & ,jeff1 ,*ris 0 ! only sadi/ :o ,i cd p]suade
6a3ompany me on a second attempt4 ,a new climb+ "pn]1 ,m>k ,h[e1 al jo9$ u4
,m>k 0 an amaz+ a?lete4 ,on ! "d ( \r f/ meet+1 he _h j return$ f a bike
ride4 ,i le>n$ t he _h ri45 8 bike sixty miles f ,b\ld] 6! ,l;g's ,p1k
trailh1d1 run 6! top ( ,l;g's ,p1k--elev,n #ad1bee feet--& back 6! trailh1d
ag1 !n ri45 8 bike home4

,m>k's & my climb+ exp]i;es cd h be5 5titl$ 8,! ,turtle &! ,h>e40 ,on \r
=ty-mile trek 6base camp1 we cross$ des]t t]ra91 dott$ ) scra7ly %rubs &
crisscross$ 0riv]s : we _h 6=d4 ,:ile ,i plo4$ al;g1 plac+ "o foot c>e;lly
9 front (! o!r1 ,m>k rac$ ah1d1 usu,y hav+ t5ts set up & wat] boil+ 0! "t
,i >riv$4 ,b m.ta9s >e an ironic te/+ gr.d1 2c a?leticism isn't an assur.e
( p]=m.e4 ,at base camp1 ,m>k woke up )a pron\nc$ gurgle 9 8 lungs1 a sure
sign ( hi<-altitude pulmon>y $ema4 ,if ,m>k didn't g d[n immly1 he wd dr[n
9 8 [n lungs4 ,s1 9 only ?ree "ds1 j z \r t9y trio _h 2gun 6bond1 we sadly
sd gd-bye 6,m>k4 ,) hm g"o1 ,*ris & ,i 7 -pletely ?r[n4 ,i _h plann$ ?
second attempt ) m9ute detail1 & j l la/ ye>1 :5 an avalan*e _h p\r$ 96!
,vacas ,valley & cut (f \r r\te1 "ey?+ _h *ang$4 ,*ris 0 quiet "?\t ! morn+
z we p>$ d[n ge>4 ,nei ( u want$ 63front \r sev]ely n>r[$ op;ns4 ,if ,*ris
or ,i 7 62come 9jur$ or sick1 we wd h absolutely no safety net4 ,9 ! afn1
,*ris sd abruptly1 8,"ey?+ w ne$ 6g p]fectly n[ or we'll h 6g d[n40

,! next "d & all t week1 we 9*$ \r way up ! m.ta94 ,0ea* afn1 ! cl\ds wd
roll in1 ! w9d wd pick up1 b morn+s 7 g5],y cle>1 giv+ u 5 "t 6make x 6!
next hi<] camp1 set up ! t5t1 & 2 securely 9side 2f ! w1!r turn$ ugly4 ,)
l;g fifte5-h\r /ret*es 9 ! t5t 6kill1 x 0 unfair 6a climb+ "pn] 62come a
slug4 ,mak+ an ef=t 63v]se 0 an oblig,n4 ,z t5t mates1 h["e1 ,i 0 a bit
9trospective & ,*ris seem$ quietly 3t5t )! l;g gaps ( 9activ;y1 s ^ws
didn't alw -e easily4 ,at camp "o1 at sixte5 ?\s& feet :ile ,i 0 li/5+ 6a
book on tape1 ,*ris's voice cr[$ \1 br1k+ ! solitude )a "q1 z if he _h be5
pond]+ ! issue a l;g "t4 8,y've got a pretty gd woman1 don't ya80

8,i'm pretty lucky10 ,i repli$4

8,%e's gotta 2 pretty damn special 6tol]ate a dirtbag l y4 ,h['s ,ellie
feel ab y l1v+ = s* a l;g spell80

8,y & ,i h a goal 6focus on1 b x's a lot h>d] =! "os we l1ve at home1 j
wait+ = news (a summit4 ,x's h>d on ,ellie1 b once %e told me %e didn't
want \r life tgr 6be ord9>y40

8,!n %e got :at 0 -+ 6h]10 ,*ris lau<$ s>ca/ic,y4

8,my climb+ t1m "ks me z ,sup] ,bl ,guy1 b ,ellie's se5 my s(t "ubelly40

8,god help h]10 ,*ris 9t]ject$4

8,ell5 flew ov] ! summit ( ,mc,k9ley & wat*$ me take my la/ /eps4 ,%e met
me at ! top ( ,el ,cap1 b %e's al wit;s$ a few bl"us4 ,:5 we f/ got m>ri$1
,i tri$ 6impress h] 0do+ up ! br1kfa/ di%es4 ,i 0 9 my [n ll _w :5 ,ell5
came 9 & />t$ lau<+4 ,%e ask$ me if ,i alw wa%$ di%es l t1 l %e _h "s m*
bett] way t %e wasn't go+ 6%>e ) me4 ,natur,y ,i 0 annoy$1 s ,i ask$ h] :at
h] secret was4 ,!n %e re,y 3fus$ me 2c %e answ]$ t h] secret 0 6use
,8liquid soap4' ,s n[ ,i 0 re,y /1m+ & ask$ h] :at ! hell %e ?"\ ,i 0 us+4
,%e sd1 ,8,:y don't y ta/e x & f9d \4' ,s1 ,i did1 & t's :5 ,ellie lo/ x4
,%e 0 practic,y roll+ on ! floor4 ,i / don't ?9k x 0 my fault4 ,:y does a
bottle ( maple syrup feel s m* l a bottle ( di%-wa%+ soap80

8,i ?9k x's a 3spiracy1 ,big ;,e10 ,*ris *uckl$4 8,maple syrup -panies
"ey": try+ 6screw )! s(t "ubellies ( bl p40 ,&1 z usual1 :5 ,*ris 0 ov]tak5
0his [n cl"e;s b 0 al a bit worri$ he _h tak5 ! joke too f>1 he gave me a
h>d slap on ! leg4

8,2+ bl has xs advantages too10 ,i /ress$4 8,:5 ,ellie & ,i _h be5 dat+ a
:ile1 ,i got curi\s ab h[ m* %e wei<$4 ,i didn't want 6ask h] directly2 ,i
didn't want h] 6?9k ,i 0 a pig4 ,x wasn't z if "k+ ,ell5's wei<t re,y
matt]$ t m*4 ,i j ?"\ x 0 a boyfr's prerogative 6"k4 ,:5 %e 0 /opp+ (f at
my a"p;t af a "w\t1 ,i ask$ h] if %e want$ 6wei< h]f on my ba?room scale4
,ell5 got quiet & ,i cd feel h] eye+ me suspici\sly1 b ,i ?9k %e figur$ %e
0 safe2 x wasn't l ,i cd look ov] h] %\ld]1 b :5 %e /epp$ on ! scale1 %e
got a ll surprise4 ,%e didn't c.t on my talk+ scale blurt+ \ 9 xs -put]
voice1 ,8"o ''' hundr$ ''' & ''' tw5ty ''' sev5 ''' p.ds40' ,t's :5 ,ellie
ru%$ \ (! ba?room & saw me smirk+ >.d ! corn]4 ,%e call$ me a *eesy ll
s*em]40

8,%e %d h j tak5 a few sw+s at ya10 ,*ris rem>k$4 8,t's :at ,i'd h d"o40

,z ,*ris & ,i slept1 ! humid;y ( \r br1? froze ag/ ! t5t ceil+1 s t ! next
morn+ :5 ! w>m? (! sun t\*$ ! t5t1 we 7 awak5$ 0l>ge cold droplets ( wat]
spla%+ onto \r faces4 ,? ,aconcagua v].n ( ,*9ese wat] torture 0 5 6get u
pack+ & mov+ up ! m.ta94 ,? ye>1 ,*ris & ,i _h "w$ 6p]fect \r hik+ sy/em4
,s9ce on ,aconcagua we w]5't rop$ tgr l we _h be5 on ,mc,k9ley1 f9d+ a way
6foll[ ,*ris 0 an a4$ *all5ge4 ,*ris hik$ 9 front ( me at a fa/ clip1 sav+
8 voice 0tapp+ ! tip ( 8 trekk+ pole on rocks 6be avoid$2 b ! bi7e/ a4i;ns
7 ! l>ge be> bells ,i _h ord]$ f ,alaska4 ,la/ ye>1 :5 we _h turn$ back at
! bottom (! expos$ ridge at tw5ty-"o ?\s& feet1 we _h all felt ! /a7]+ w9d
bla/+ d[n f ! summit1 & ,i knew if we _h 3t9u$1 he>+ my "pn]s 9 front ( me
wd h be5 impossi#4 ,s ? ye> ,i atta*$ ! be> bells 6,*ris's pack &! wri/
loop ( 8 pole1 s 8 move;ts wd 2 easi] 6foll[1 hope;lly ev5 9 hi< w9d4 ,if
,*ris want$ me 6move left or "r1 he'd simply ext5d a pole 9 t direc;n &
j+le ! bell4

,(t5 ,*ris wd sl[ d[n 6look >.d1 & "ddr1m+1 ,i'd bump 96his back1 /a2+ hm 9
! calf )! %>p po9t (a pole4 8,ooh6 ,t 0 a gd "o10 ,*ris wd %\t 9 mock
5?usiasm4 8,if ,i'm n mistak51 ,i ?9k y drew a ll blood40 ,o3a.n,y ,i'd ev5
manage 6drive a pole d[n ! back ( 8 boot & ,i'd h 6yank ! ?+ \ :ile wait+
=! wiseass response f ,*ris4 ,! sil;e 0 alm worse1 z ,i pull$ & twi/$ !
pole1 ! groove at xs 5d /u2ornly cau<t 9 socks & fle%4 ,:5 he he>d me be>+
d[n on hm1 "u/&ably he'd get a ll n]v\s4 8,ge> d[n "!1 big %ift]10 he'd
say4 8,i'd l 6keep a ll sk9 back "!40

,*ris alw got me back ?\<4 ,2l camp two1 he rem>k$1 8,? trail is pretty
smoo?40

8,n"e -;t on h[ gd "s?+ is10 ,i w>n$4 8,x upsets ! m.ta9 gods40 ,& ,i 0 "r1
or s ,i ?"\4 ,9 ! next mo;t1 ! trail 2came v r\<4 ,*ris zigza7$ u acr piles
( jum#d b\ld]s & "? deep unev5 ruts1 all ! "t j+l+ ! be> bells 5]getic,y4
8,y see60 ,i sd exasp]at$ly4 8,talk ab h[ grt x is & look :at happ5s40 ,t 0
:5 ,*ris 2gan *uckl+1 & ,i su45ly "u/ood 8 ll game4 ,he _h left ! trail & 0
l1d+ me ov] ! wor/ t]ra9 he cd f9d4 ,an 9/ant lat]1 my pole %ot \ & 0
swatt+ h>d at ! s.d (! bells1 b ,*ris 0 alr l1p+ acr ! b\ld]s1 j \ ( range4

,a few h\rs abv camp "o1 we trav]s$ al;g ! side (a /eep loose-scree slope4
,e /ep s5t piles ( v>i\s-siz$ rocks skitt]+ d[n ! slope & dropp+ 96a fi]ce
glaci]-f$ riv]4 ,) ea* /ep ,i cdn't help morbidly imag9+ my [n body tumbl+
d[n ! bank l ! loose rocks4 ,ev5tu,y we "w$ \r way d[n 6! riv] ": we _h
6cross4 ,! riv] 0 only fifte5 feet wide b cut a p[];l pa? "? a deep gorge4
,*ris /epp$ \ onto a slipp]y b\ld] & yell$ \1 8,,ok6 ,/ep 6me4 ,:at"e y d1
don't slip40 ,we scram#d \ ov] ! riv] on a su3es.n ( 9cr1s+ly small] rocks
until we /ood on ! $ge ( an ov]hang+ hump ( ice4 ,! riv] spew$ =? t5 feet
2l me1 & cold1 /++ spray splatt]$ my face4 ,*ris /opp$ on ! $ge1 survey+ !
be/ way acr4 8,we're go+ 6h 6jump x1 ,big ;,e10 he %\t$ abv ! noise4 8,"!'s
no o!r way4 ,n[ ,i want y 6li/5 6me c>e;lly4 ,? a9't no place 6be screw+ !
poo*40 ,& n[ ,i 0 n]v\s2 = ,*ris1 ? gem (a phrase 0 l h1vy >till]y1 only
unl1%$ :5 ?+s 7 re,y s]i\s4 8,y're go+ 6/& on ! $ge (! ice4 ,get a solid
/.e1 & don't slip40 ,6hamm] home ! po9t he pick$ up a rock & sd1 8,y he>
?80 ,he laun*$ x 96! fum+ torr5t1 & ,i ?"\ ,i he>d a vague gr9d+ s.d 2n !
ro>4 8,if y didn't dr[n immly1 9 ab a hundr$ feet1 ! riv] wd suck y back "u
! glaci] ''' ,y'd def9itely die40 ,i /ood on ! $ge1 3templat+ ! jump4 8,x's
ab n9e feet acr1 & "!'s n m* 6l& on1 j a sixty-degree slope ( ice & scree4
,y're gonna j h 6tru/ x4 ,:5 y l&1 yr front po9ts w /ick & y'll fall =w>d )
yr palms40 ,!n 8 monkey-l frame l1p$ acr4 ,on ! o!r side he yell$1 8,al"r1
g = x1 ,big ;,e10 b my legs felt l !y 7 fus$ 6! ice4 ,i l1n$ =w>d1 & hold+
! 5d (a pole1 r1*$ \ z f> z ,i cd4 8,y c't r1* ! o!r side4 ,y j h 6tru/ x4
,y h 6jump40 ,i 0 / froz54 8,don't ?9k ab x anymore10 he yell$4 8,y'll psy*
yrf \4 ,make x a gd "o1 ?\<1 2c if y fall1 y'll def9itely die40 ,:y ! hell
did he h 6keep rep1t+ t8 ,i ?"\4 ,i imag9$ hm glanc+ n]v\sly d[nriv] 6": !
wat] p\r$ d>kly "u ! glaci]4 8,i'm j gett+ r1dy10 ,i yell$ back1 & ?irty
seconds lat]1 8,i don't ?9k ,i c d ?40

8,x's ! only way acr10 he %ot back4

,"! >e mo;ts 9 \r lives :5 we c move =w>d 9 small 9cre;ts1 9cr1s+ ! *all5ge
bit 0bit1 b "! >e o!r "ts :5 secur;y is m]ely an illu.n1 :5 we m/ summon \r
c\rage1 ga!r up \r pa/ skill1 & proce$ 0! p[] ( %e] fai?4 ,6? "d1 ,i _c
expla9 h[ ,i tri7]$ ! circuits t 5a#d my legs 6cr\*1 my body 6l1n =w>d \
ov] ! abyss1 & !n my legs 6spr+1 s t ,i laun*$ acr1 "? ! ro> (! riv] &! mi/
t rose up l cold fro/4 ,on ! o!r side ! front po9ts ( my crampons bit ! ice
& my mo;tum drove my palms =w>d flat ag/ ! slope4 ,:5 ,i knew ,i 0 safe1 ,i
lay ag/ ! slope1 my *eek press$ ag/ ! ice1 my *e/ h1v+4 ,my body felt l x 0
melt+ 96! froz5 gr.d4 8,gd job10 ,*ris sd4 8,y didn't die40

,ma9ta9+ \r a7ressive s*$ule1 ,*ris & ,i bypass$ camp two1 sitt+ at ! top (
an expos$ col at sev5te5 ?\s& feet1 & hump$ \r h1vy loads up an 5d.s
mix$-sn[-&-scree slope 6camp ?ree at n9ete5 ?\s& feet4 8,h[ f> d y ?9k we h
until camp80 ,i ask$ ,*ris z we re/$ on ! slope1 my h1d hang+ & my *e/ l1n+
h1vily on a trekk+ pole4

8,well '''0 ,*ris repli$1 8,x's h>d tell9'1 n "k9'40

,hi<] up ! slope ,*ris climb$ f> ah1d 6sc\t \ ! r\te1 & ,i 0 left al"o
6pick my way "? ! rocks & sn[4 ,i 3c5trat$ h>d & f.d ,i cd /ay on r\te
0/epp+ 9 ! froz5 boot holes ( previ\s climb]s1 an excit+ game ( 3nect !
holes4 ,:5 ,i cau<t up 6,*ris1 ,i pant$1 8,morris1 y bett] n 2 gett+ any
id1s 6l1ve me "h on ? god=sak5 m.ta940

8,:at cd y d ab x if ,i did80

8,ell5 tri$ 6l1ve me once4 ,y "k :at ,i told h]8 ,we 7 walk+ "? a remote
village 9 ,africa1 & "sh[ or ano!r1 ,i 2gan 6annoy h]4 ,%e />t$ walk+ re,y
fa/ & told me %e 0 go+ 6l1ve me "!4 ,i tapp$ al;g 2h h] ) my cane & %\t$ \1
,8,y may l1ve me "h1 b ev5tu,y ,i'll track y d[n4 ,y'll 2 happily rem>ri$1
probably h =gott5 all ab me1 b ,i'll f9d y4 ,i'll swim acr ! oc1n "? a
s*ool ( %>ks1 crawl a ?\s& miles on my knees1 & drag my bloody c>cass acr
yr manicur$ lawn & 96yr h\se4 ,y'll 2 drift+ (f 6a pl1sant ni<t's sleep :5
y'll feel a gn>l$ bloody h& >.d yr ?roat40'

8,if y l1ve me "h1 ,morris1 y mi<t get away ) x1 b "o "d :5 y l1/ expect x1
y'll he> a ll knock at yr door40

8,well1 t 3firms x10 ,*ris sd1 lau<+4 8,y're (fici,y an asshole40

,:5 we >riv$ at camp ?ree1 bo? ( u 7 hurt+4 8,h[ d y feel80 ,*ris ask$ z we
set up ! t5t4

,my h1d p.d$4 ,my /oma* 0 qu1sy4 ,i d\#d up ) c\<+ :5 ,i br1!d too deeply4
8,if ,i felt l ? at sea level10 ,i sd1 8,i'd 2 call+ n9e "o "o40

,! next "d we trav]s$ acr .penitente fields 6,pi$ras ,blancas1 \r hi< camp
at #ai1ejj feet4 ,:5 ! sn[ /eep5$1 we /opp$ 9 ! w9d 6put on crampons4 ,we
only _h a few h\rs 6g1 s ,i wasn't hurry+4 ,*ris1 on ! o!r h&1 alw 9 hi<
ge>1 0 impati5t4 ,i 0 sitt+ )a crampon half on my boot :5 ,*ris1 hov]+ abv
me1 sd abruptly1 8,if y move ? sl[ on summit "d1 we won't h a *.e40 ,i
hurri$ 6f9i% ! job1 b n]v\s f ! lecture1 cau<t ! tip ( my po9t] f+] 9 my
crampon bail & ripp$ (f ! pad4 ,) blood puls+ d[n my h&1 ,i %ov$ x angrily
96my glove & hop$ x wd cut (f ! ble$+4

,0camp1 ,i 0 fum+4 ,i 0 sick ( ,aconcagua1 ! tor;t+ w9d1 &! imp5etra# maze
( rocks t n"e gave me a br1k4 ,i 0 tir$ ( ,*ris too1 f ! s\r smell ( 8 feet
:5 he took (f 8 socks1 6his impati5t cru/y lectures1 6his blunt ,alaskan
witticisms4 ,"o "d blurr$ 96! next z we sat 9 \r cramp$ t5t wait+ =! w9d
6abate4 ,my ,walkman _h brok51 s ,i cdn't ev5 escape 96my book on tape4 ,at
l1/ ! radio "w$1 s ,i f.d myf li/5+ 65d.s 4co ov] ! "o ,m5dosa /,n4 ,i _h
no div].n 6o3upy my bra94 ,i cdn't />e \ ! t5t at ! fa/ mov+ gray cl\ds2 ,i
cdn't ev5 />e at ! t5t walls4 ,i 0 reduc$ 6my [n ?"\s4 ,i cd keep my m9d
busy =a few h\rs1 ?9k+ ab home life1 ! food ,i wd eat1 my future goals1 b
sl[ly ^? ?"\s 2gan 6be replac$ ) "os ( d\bt4 ,i ?"\ ab ,ellie & h[ unfair x
0 = me 6be away s l;g1 devot+ myf 6s* a selfi%1 dang]\s goal4 ,i ?"\ ab t
liv+ w9d1 & decid$ x wd n"e quit4 ,i ?"\ ab ,*ris's h>% ^ws3 8,if y move ?
sl[1 we won't h a *.e10 & ,i fe>$ he 0 "r4 ,on top ( x all1 ! glaucoma eye
pa9 t ! drugs _h be5 keep+ 9 *eck 7 no mat* = ? extreme altitude4 ,! pa9
broke loose ) savage fury1 mak+ my eyeball feel l x wd bur/4 ,x 0 ! wor/ at
ni<t :5 ,i'd lie awake1 wri?+ 9 pa91 a =k /a2+ my eyeball4 ,x 0 !n :5 ! pa9
& fe> & panic seem$ 63spire ag/ me1 burr[+ _! way 96my belly & fill+ x up s
ti<t1 ,i felt ,i wd surely su6ocate4 ,6-bat x1 ,i'd =ce myf 6rep1t reassur+
mantras & 6br1! deeply 9 rhy?m4 8,br1! ''' relax ''' br1! ''' relax '''
calm ''' d[n ''' y're ''' ,,ok40

,0\r ?ird ni<t1 feel+ ! panic ris+ up 9side me1 ,i woke up ,*ris4 8,let's
play a game10 ,i su7e/$4 8,maybe tw5ty "qs or ,i ,spy40

8,i don't play games1 & ,i especi,y a9't play+ ,i ,spy )a bl guy10 ,*ris
repli$ gro7ily & !n roll$ ov] & fell back asleep4

,9 hi< s*ool1 ,i r1d ! ,greek novel1 ! .,odyssey4 ,9 ! l;g voyage home1
,odysseus & 8 crew pass ! ,isl& (! ,sir5s1 ": b1uti;l maid5s s+ \ 6pass+
sailors ) voices s melodi\s & haunt+ t !y >e drawn 6! isl&1 ! orig9al goal
=gott54 ,z x turns \1 ?\<1 ! maid5s >e re,y mon/]s &! sailors >e gob#d up1
n"e 6be se5 ag4 ,6fi<t _! allure1 ,odysseus ties hmf 6! boat ma/ &! music
ne>ly drives hm 9sane4 ,/uck on a m.ta9 at alm tw5ty ?\s& feet is no
di6]5t4 ,! ,sir5s 7 call+ \ 6me1 ! music s /r;g t ,i want$ 6te> op5 ! t5t
fly & run h1dl;g 96! frigid ni<t1 tripp+ & slid+ d[n ! rocks until ,i r1*$
! -=ts (! _w1 until ,i r1*$ my wife1 my frs1 my family4 8,-e d[n6 ,-e d[n6
,-e d[n60 !y *ant$4 8,hamburg]s & ,fr5* fries & milk %akes await y40 ,!
,sir5s ev5 took on ! voice ( ,ell54 8,-e d[n10 %e urg$ s(tly4 8,i'll / love
y if y fail40

,f9,y ,i cdn't take x anymore4 ,i _h no "o 6turn 6b ,*ris1 s once ag1 ,i
woke hm up4

8,i don't "k :at's happ5+ 6me4 ,i ?9k ,i mi<t 2 go+ 9sane40

8,talk 6me1 ,big ;,e4 ,tell me :at y're feel+10 he sd al]tly4

8,i feel l ,i c't wait anymore4 ,if we don't summit soon1 ,i ?9k ,i'll h 6g
d[n40

8,x's ! ?9 oxyg5 talk+10 he w>n$4 8,y'll get d[n & 2 4appo9t$ 9 yrf 2c y'll
"k y didn't give x yr be/ %ot40

8,maybe ,i don't want ?10 ,i sd1 una# 63trol ! te>s t 2gan 6slide d[n my
face4 8,maybe1 "ey?+ ,i ?"\ ,i want$ ''' ,well1 maybe1 ,i 0 wr;g40

8,hang 9 "!1 ,big ;,e4 ,y've got 6rememb] :y y're "h4 ,we'll 2 d[n soon
5\<1 & !n y'll 2 miss+ yr old salty bu4y40

8,oh6 ,:5 ,i get home10 ,i sd4 8,maybe ,i'll d "s?+ -pletely di6]5t4 ,i'd l
6d "s?+ simple1 6"w ) my h&s1 maybe a c>p5t]1 or ev5 bett]1 a pie *ef4 ,h[
wond];l x w 2 6make pies "d af "d3 blueb]ry1 apple1 *]ry1 & *ocolate cr1m4
,& e ev5+1 :5 ,ellie -es home f "w1 ,i'll meet h] at ! door )a new k9d (
pie1 /1m+ hot & fre% f ! ov54 ,i'll make pies f dawn 6dusk & 2 happy1 &
,i'll n"e dr1m ( m.ta9s "e ag40

,*ris1 suppress+ a lau<1 cut me (f4 8,i'm tell+ y4 ,x's ! altitude4 ,i'll
bet y a million bucks1 :5 y get d[n1 y'll n"e bake "o pie40

,ev5 if he 0 wr;g1 ,i cd see myf escap+ f ? m.ta9 6! w>m? & -=t ( my [n
kit*51 & surr.d$ 0/acks ( voluptu\s1 fre%-bak$ pies1 a vague ye>n+ wd seep
ov] me & ,i wd 2g9 6hung] =a m.ta9top1 an unqu5*a# appetite t j cdn't 2
satisfi$ ) pie4 ,i'd 2 kn1d+ ! d\< & p\r+ ! fruit & s*em+ ab ways ,i mi<t
get back 6! slag h1p1 9 all xs au/];y & b1uty4 ,i'd pray 6return ag & ag1
despite ! rocks 9 my food1 ! .penitente fields1 ! w9d & p]h =! sake ( ^!
?+s4 ,!n1 ly+ 9 ! t5t next 6,*ris1 ,i knew ! aw;l irony (! ,sir5s4 ,!
p[];lly hypnotic pull ( _! music al "w$ 9 rev]se4

,at two a4m4 ! next ev5+1 ,*ris look$ \tside4 8,x looks cle>10 he sd4 ,we
boil$ wat] = oatm1l & dr9k+ wat] & 2gan ! l;g process ( gett+ dress$ 9 a
space ll bi7] ?an a c> trunk4 ,knees1 elb[s1 & %\ld]s collid$ & my body
/ra9$ & 3tort$ z ,i pull$ on l;g "uwe>1 lay]s ( fleece1 &a ,,gore-tex %ell4
,next came two lay]s ( socks1 vapor b>ri] socks1 9n] boots1 & !n /iff froz5
pla/ic boots2 f9,y1 ?ree-lay] gloves1 hat1 balaclava1 & go7les4 ,we *eck$
\r summit packs = snacks1 wat]1 %ovel1 /ove1 bottle ( gas1 li<t]1 sleep+
bag1 d[n jackets1 extra gloves1 f/ aid4 ,& !n ,i 0 /ru7l+ \ ! t5t door1
zipp+ ! t5t fly 2h me1 dizzy 9 ! ?9 air4 ,l1v+ s e>ly1 we hop$ we wd b1t !
huge w9ds t 2gan h[l+ ne> ! summit 0noon4 ,we made gd "t until tw5ty-"o
?\s& feet4 ,b approa*+ ! ridge trav]se1 we he>d a noise abv u1 l jet planes
tak+ (f4 ,! w9d patt]ns _h %ift$4 ,on previ\s "ds1 :ile obs]v+ f 2l1 we _h
notic$ ! /r;ge/ w9ds built up 9 ! afn4 ,n[1 9 a cruel /ate;t ( sup]ior;y1 !
w9ds _h decid$ 6rage e>li]4 ,z we cre/$ ! ridge1 !y met u at full gale =ce1
scr1m+ (f ! summit & hamm]+ u 9 \r faces at sixty miles an h\r4 ,we hid 2h
a pile ( rocks1 putt+ on \r d[n jackets4 ,we 7 bo? 2g9n+ 6%iv]1 & \r f+]s &
toes 7 go+ numb4 8,? is ! same place x turn$ u back la/ ye>10 ,i sd angrily
& lau<$ 6myf2 ? ye>1 ,i ?"\1 ! w9d 0 ev5 worse1 m* worse4

8,yessir1 x sure z hell is40 ,ev5 ,*ris's norm,y a3ept+ voice %[$ a trace (
bitt] 4appo9t;t4

,z we %ov$ =w>d 96! w9d & ,i pull$ ! coll> ( my d[n jacket >.d my face1 ,i
qkly r1liz$ ,i _h an ev5 bi7] pro#m ?an ! cold2 ,i cdn't he> ! bells
anymore4 ,maybe !y _h froz51 or maybe ! w9d 0 j too l\d 6he> !m4 ,! sy/em
,i _h ?"\ 0 s brilliant 0 use.s4 ,*ris kept /opp+ 9 front ( me & try+ 6get
! bells 6j+le1 & :5 t fail$1 click+ 8 poles tgr1 b ,i / cdn't he> hm4

8,feel my boot holes10 ,*ris yell$4 8,try 6/ay "r 9 !m40 ,b "! 7 l;g sec;ns
": ! w9d _h sc\r$ ! slopes b>e & ,i cdn't 3nect ! holes4 ,*ris m/ h se5 me
w&]+ (f ! m>k1 s 8 qk m9d act$ 9/9ctively4 ,he put 8 p9ky f+]s 9 8 m\? &
:i/l$ at ! top ( 8 lungs4 ,my h1d %ot up1 z ! %rill pi]c+ s.d cut "? ! w9d4
,i mov$ t[>d x4 ,e few m9utes =! next ?ree h\rs1 ,*ris /opp$ & :i/l$4 ,x 0
a biz>re game ( m.ta9 ,m>co ,polo4 ,*ris wd wat* 9 horror z ,i w&]$ (f t[>d
a cliff4 ,he'd :i/le ) e la/ bit ( br1?1 & ,i'd 2g9 foll[+ hm ag4

,x 0 ! colde/ w1!r t ,i hav5't turn$ back in4 ,(t5 we _h 6/op & w9dmill \r
>ms & *orus kick \r legs 6keep \r extremities f go+ numb4 8,god damn x60
,*ris yell$ \ 9 "o ( \r _m *orus ses.ns4 8,i ?9k my left toe is fro/ nipp$4
,we gotta keep mov+40

,we knew1 if we cd only make x 6! ,canelleto1 ! protect$ sn[ gully t l$ 6!
summit1 x mi<t 2 %elt]$ f ! w9d4 ,s _m "ts ,i ?"\ we 7 go+ 6h 6turn back1 s
_m "ts ,i decid$ t we _h no *.e ( mak+ x4 ,i wait$ = ,*ris 6say ! ^ws t wd
turn u back3 8,i ?9k ? is z f> z we %d g10 or 8,big ;,e1 ? j isn't \r "d40
,a "p ( me actu,y hop$ he wd say !m4 ,b he j kept mov+ & :i/l+1 & ,i kept
on foll[+4 ,ab ei<t o'c 9 ! morn+1 we r.d$ a corn]1 &! w9d simply /opp$4
,*ris %ook a trekk+ pole &! bell1 dangl+ f ! wri/ loop1 j+l$2 we bo? lau<$4
,we 7 9 ! ,canelleto1 only two ?\s& feet 6g4

,ev5 ?\<1 ?ank;lly1 ! w9d _h /opp$1 ! ,canelleto 0 a spooky place4 ,"s ( ^?
:o _h tri$ 6/& atop ,aconcagua _h tak5 _! la/ br1? 9 ! ,canelleto4 ,! "d
2f1 we _h he>d ab a climb] :o _h 4appe>$ & 0 spott$ ne> ! top (!
,canelleto1 l1n+ froz5 ag/ a rock4 ,! gully1 l;g & /eep & protect$ f ! w9d1
wd seem a p]fect place 6/op & re/4 ,climb]s sit d[n am;g/ ! b\ld]s =a
mo;t's re/ & promptly freeze 6d1?4 ,dy+ ( exposure is suppos$ly a v p1ce;l
way 6g4 ,2f d1?1 climb]s >e ov]tak5 0a /range feel+ ( 9t5se w>m?1 s t !y >e
(t5 f.d sitt+ 9 ! sn[1 ) mo/ ( _! clo!s ly+ next 6!m4 ,i knew t "s": al;g
\r pa?1 we wd pass "r 0! miss+ climb]4 ,i 0 glad ,i wd n 2 a# 6see 8
half-nak$ corpse1 ! fragile w>m? ( 8 life /amp$ \ s easily1 re/+ n[ l s _m
b\ld]s /rewn acr ! m.ta94 ,i %u4]$ & will$ my bra9 6cle> xf (!
lackadaisical fog t crept ov] me1 ) s* ll oxyg5 6br1!4 ,! /eep walls ( rock
ris+ up on bo? sides (! gully cr1t$ ! s.d ( clos$-in space >.d u1 l an e*o
pass+ "? a mausoleum4

,z ! t]ra9 *ang$ f sn[ 6a hodgepodge ( b\ld]s1 ,i cdn't seem 6get my br1?+
96a rhy?m4 8,y're />t+ 6move mi<ty sl[10 ,*ris sd4

,i lift$ my tir$ h1d4 8,y bett] n l1ve me "h1 ,morris40

8,y1h1 ,i "k4 ,y'll hunt me d[n & kill me10 he grunt$ \ 9 8 be/ ,dirty
,h>ry impres.n4 8,n f> n[4 ,i cd ?r[ a rock 6x40

,=ty m9utes lat] :5 we 7 / mov+1 ,i grum#d1 8,ei y h "o hell ( an >m1 or
y're a ly+ ba/>d40

8,i swe> x look$ a lot clos] f 2l40

,fifte5 m9utes lat]1 at #aj3cg a4m41 ,*ris sd1 br1?+ h1vily1 8,big ;,e1
guess :at8 ,y probably won't ev5 2lieve me40

8,:at80 ,i repli$ 9 an altitude daze4

8,we're "h40

,) ^? ^ws1 ,i sank d[n exhau/$ly z my h&s t\*$ a s]ies ( cold1 r\< rocks4
,! rocks 7 no di6]5t f ! "os ,i _h felt f>!r d[n1 b 9 my 9ve/ig,n1 ,i
notic$ a few =m$ a pile4 ,f ? rose a smoo? metal /ructure =m+ ! %ape ( "s?+
famili>4 ,x 0 a cross4 ,i _h he>d ab ! ll metal cross t signifi$ ! v top1
p]*$ at a po9t on ! m.ta9 ": climb]s say "! is simply no place else 6g4 ,i
t\*$ x =a l;g "t1 maybe too l;g1 b ! cold t\* ( metal "u my f+]s 0 ! only
s5s,n t 3v9c$ me we 7 truly "h1 af two l;g ye>s ( try+4 ,*ris gave me a hug
& sd1 8,gd job1 ,big ;,e1 b =! la/ h\r1 y've be5 mov+ sl[] ?an my old d1d
gr&"m40 ,i gave ,*ris a tir$ smile1 2c ,i _h le>n$ l;g ago t1 = m.ta9e]s1
9sults 7 ! hi<e/ =m ( praise & a6ec;n4

8,y're an impati5t old sod10 ,i sd4 8,c't a guy j relax & 5joy ! sc5]y80

8,& ,i suppose y're n ev5 tir$10 ,*ris sd s>ca/ic,y4

8,n at all10 ,i li$1 =c+ my voice 6s.d upb1t4

8,i h a feel+10 ,*ris sd1 8:5 we get d[n (f ? pig1 y're go+ 6rewrite
hi/ory40

8,:y n80 ,i respond$4 8,x's my hi/ory40

,f my p]spective1 ! summit ( ,aconcagua (f]$ no /unn+ view1 no dizzy+
panorama )! _w dropp+ away 2f me4 ,= me x 0 only a *aotic pile ( b\ld]s )a
cold metal cross protrud+ f ! c5t]4 ,b a summit is s m* m ?an ! view4 ,i
may 2 bias$1 b :5 p say !y summit m.ta9s =! view1 ,i don't 2lieve !m4 ,no
"o su6]s ! way "o does on a m.ta9 simply =a b1uti;l view4 ,a summit isn't j
a place on a m.ta94 ,a summit exi/s 9 \r he>ts & m9ds4 ,x is a t9y scrap (a
dr1m made r1l1 9disputa# pro( t \r lives h m1n+4 ,a summit is a symbol t )!
=ce ( \r w &! p[] ( \r legs1 \r backs1 & \r two h&s1 we c trans=m \r lives
96:at"e we *oose !m 6be1 :at"e \r h&s >e /r;g 5 6cr1te4

,! way d[n f ! summit 0 l;g & gruel+4 ,i slid d[n ! icy scree 2h ,*ris1
hav+ a h>d "t 2liev+ t only a few h\rs e>li]1 we 7 trudg+ up ! same slopes4
,:5 we f9,y r1*$ \r t5t1 ! sun _h actu,y peek$ \1 & ,i lay on ! w>m rocks1
deep exhaus;n p5etrat+ "? my e muscle4 8,want "s j]ky80 ,*ris ask$1 slapp+
a bag ( gr1sy dri$ m1t 9 my h&4 ,i sat up1 su45ly r1liz+ ,i 0 fami%$ &1 )
b>ely a br1?1 gob#d d[n a half doz5 /rips4 8,uh oh60 ,i sd1 feel+ ! j]ky 9
my belly ga!r 96a ti<t h>d ball & fi<t xs way back up my ?roat4 ,i l1n$
=w>d on my palms & h1v$ 96! rocks4

8,al"r60 ,*ris sd jubilantly4 8,isn't ? ?ree = ?ree80

,he 0 "r1 ,i ?"\4 ,i _h hurl$ on all ?ree ( my 3t95tal summits3 on
,mc,k9ley1 9 ! igloo1 af ! summit2 ,kilimanj>o1 on ! cald]a1 2f ! summit2 &
n[1 on ,aconcagua1 ,i _h j e>n$ myf a p]fect record4 ,t gave me an idea4
8,well10 ,i sd1 8if = "s r1son1 ,i c't 2 ! f/ bl p]son 6climb ! sev5
summits1 !n1 at l1/1 ,i c 2 ! f/ bl p]son 6puke ne> ! top ( all sev54 ,9 a
way1 t mi<t ev5 2 a h>d] goal 6b1t40

,! next morn+ 9 \r t5t ,*ris woke up e>ly 9 a fit ( c\<+4 8,big ;,e8 ,y
awake80 ,8 deep ho>se voice 0 only a :isp]4 8,y got any wat]80 ,i gave hm
my la/ half qu>t & he d[n$ x 9 "o swig4 8,n[1 "y sportsman1 t's h[ y dr9k
wat]60 ,he smack$ 8 dry lips1 />t+ 6-e awake4

8,sorry ab yr voice10 ,i sd4 8,x 0 a l;g "d40

8,ah1 x's ,,ok10 he rasp$4

8,w]e y sc>$ up "!8 ,i m1n ) j ! two ( u80

,he *uckl$ & sd1 8,x isn't e "d t ,i climb 6! top (a sev5-?\s&-met] p1k )a
bl guy4 ,y mi<t say ,i 0 a ll /ress$40

8,y gonna climb ) me ag80 ,i ask$ s9c]ely4

,*ris paus$ =a l;g mo;t1 s l;g t ,i ?"\ he _h drift$ back 6sleep4 ,!n he
sd1 8,if y don't ?9k ,i get pl1sure \ ( gett+ y up "!1 \ ( 2+ a "p ( ? :ole
?+1 well !n ''' y're j crazy40

,"! 0 "s?+ ab 8 ^ws1 spok5 9 8 typical ,alaskan gru6;s1 & 8 r\< ru9$ voice1
de/roy$ 0a l;g "d ( :i/l+ 9 ! w9d1 t made my he>t swell ) pride = :at we _h
d"o1 &=! fact t we 7 "h1 on ? m.ta91 tgr4

,t "d we pack$ up & scurri$ d[n ! scree slopes 6base camp4 ,z we dropp$
altitude1 ,i cd feel ! 5]gy & vital;y return+ 6my oxyg5-/>v$ body4 ,z soon
z we >riv$1 ,i ord]$ fl[]s = ,ellie ov] ! radio4 ,2l base camp1 al;g !
rocky trail1 despite ! c.t.s trips1 slides1 & /um#s1 my feet felt li<t4 ,!
m.ta9 cd b1t me up z m* z x want$ n[4 ,i cd walk a ?\s& miles4 ,all ,i cd
?9k ab 7 ! fl[]s4 ,!y'd 2 deliv]$ any mo;t n[1 bur/+ "? h] classroom door1
9 front ( all h] /ud5ts1 ) h] sp>kl+ blue eyes full ( surprise &1 !n1
relief z %e r1d ! note4 8,i miss y4 ,we summitt$4 ,i love y40