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

60 61 The Chosen: Battle with a Cerberosian Prince The Summit “We’ll take a vote, three votes majority.” Tumi led the vote. TJ and Fang voted against taking Ana with them. Ethan, Pippa, and Tumi voted in favor of taking her with them. So, they gave her oxygen and kept going. Ana was so preoccupied with her weakened body and inability to breathe that she didn’t notice any of the conversation that happened a few steps away from her. Her sherpa administered the oxygen, and they were on their way again. The oxygen seemed to do the trick. She now kept up with the rest of the group. TJ and Fang continued to lead the way, behind Dorjee. Even though they took more rest breaks than the average group, they maintained a steady pace. The incident with Ana only set them back a few hours. Thus, they were still moving according to schedule. They were a few hours late each day, which meant they had to cut down on their sightseeing, but they were reaching their required distance daily. Upon reaching Base Camp, they all celebrated, as it was their first accomplishment together. It wasn’t a major achievement, given that most of the people that attempt to reach Base Camp usually do. Yet, the reality that they did not know each other, and were first time climbers, was something to be taken note of. The girls went over to Ana and gave her a hug. “Well done, Ana. We’re so proud of you,” Pippa said. “Yeah, you really showed how much character you have. Good job, Ana,” added Tumi. “Put it here, Ana,” Ethan said as he lifted his open hand in the air for Ana to give a high five. Pippa went over to TJ and Fang, who were inspecting their equipment. “You two better go over there and say something nice to Ana. I’m sick of this macho crap.” Fang was the first to go to Ana. With an expressionless face, he said, “Well done.” “Thanks, Fang,” she said with a hint of excitement, as she strained to speak. A few minutes later, TJ went over to Ana and sat beside her. He took a moment before saying anything. “I’m sorry, Ana. I know I’ve acted like a jerk a few times. It won’t happen again.” “It’s OK, TJ. I know you’re not a bad guy.” She leaned in for a hug. He followed through. He kept it very short. As he pulled back, he said very softly, “Well done.” “Thanks, TJ. It means a lot coming from you.” As they continued getting settled, Dorjee addressed them: “Great job, everyone. We have made it to Base Camp. This might not seem like much of an accomplishment, but it is the first step nonetheless. The next step will be some rest and relaxation, followed by a lot of hard work. Until then, though, take the time to enjoy the mountain. Enjoy the thin air. Embrace the cold, snowy weather. We leave for Camp 1 in seven days.” The time of rest and relaxation went by quickly. That week was actually a pivotal part of the acclimatization process, where the body has an entire week of adapting to the air and the new rhythm of breathing.