Part I: Six Packages, Six Journeys, One Big Wooden Door

54 55 The Chosen: Battle with a Cerberosian Prince The Summit “I thought you said this was a premium package. You’d expect some sort of high-quality connection up on the mountain, right? So, like, no Wi-Fi?” “Seriously, Pippa?” TJ said. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand what you mean when you say ‘streak,’” Dorjee replied. “She is talking about a Snapstreak,” Ana said. “Snapstreak?” “I apologize, Dorjee. They are talking about an app on your phone. It’s a social media thing,” Tumi explained. “Oh…” “It’s OK. It’s not a biggy. She’s just being petty,” TJ said. “Please continue what you were saying.” “Petty… Don’t be mad because you’re not connected,” Pippa responded. “I’m plenty connected.” “Right.” Dorjee was still confused, trying to figure out what the conversation was about. “First world problems, first world brats. Am I right?” Ethan said looking at Fang. With no response, Fang maintained his stance, keeping his eyes ahead of him, awaiting further, productive instructions. “Well, I was saying this is your last chance to contact people back home if you need to.” Once the streak exchange was over, everyone took a moment to contact family and respective loved ones. For TJ, it was a matter of keeping up with his falsifications. As far as his uncle was concerned, TJ was at a football camp, where his nephew was likely to be selected onto the team. Claiming everything was going well, he added that the coaches would be taking away their phones for two months so they could focus on training. There’s no turning back now, TJ thought to himself. He felt he couldn’t tell his uncle the truth at this point. Perhaps when he got back. Or maybe never. He had two months to decide his course of action—now was not the time. Once they were finished contacting those whom they needed to contact, they began to get ready. Putting on all their gear, they made a final equipment check with their sherpas. “I have one final message to share before we leave. I have been instructed to let you know that ‘Your questions will be answered upon reaching the summit.’ I assume you know what that means.” None of them reacted. It was almost said in passing. They were all still concluding their conversations with loved ones. Those who were already done were too engrossed by their gear and equipment. The journey began. The walk to Base Camp was the first step. Dorjee led the group from the front, setting the pace. The climbers followed behind him along with their sherpas beside them. At the tail end were the porters, chefs, and medical team. Each climber had been given the opportunity of having their own porter who carried their gear. All the climbers gladly accepted that offer. The thought of trekking the Himalayan mountains was challenging enough in itself. Adding the strain of carrying one’s own bags and equipment