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

72 73 The Chosen: Battle with a Cerberosian Prince 1st Projection Once again starting just before sunrise, Dorjee gathered them all together, and they departed. The climb to Camp 4 proved to be much more challenging than any of the others. Climbing Everest is all about altitude. The body’s ability to adjust to the change in altitude will determine success or failure. Reviewing the various elevations, Base Camp was 5,400 meters (17,500 feet). Camp 1 was 6,100 meters (20,000 feet). Camp 2 was 6,500 meters (21,300 feet). Camp 3 was 7,400 meters (21,300 feet). Camp 4, the destination camp at this part of their journey, was 8,000 meters (26,000 feet). The amount of exertion on their bodies, in contrast to Base Camp, was already at a level just under 2,600 meters more than they had become accustomed to. Breathing in nearly half of the oxygen they would normally get back at regular sea level, they were struggling. Even TJ and Fang began to slow down. Dorjee had to keep shouting out words of encouragement, motivating them to keep going: “Almost there,” “One more push,” “Dig deep,” “It will all be worth it when we get there,” “Come on, guys,” “We’re almost there.” Ana started to falter, significantly so. Her sherpa yelled out to the front because the gap between them and the rest of the crew was becoming wider and wider. The snowfall was steady, with winds moving sharply enough for everyone to feel the unscheduled stop. Dorjee made his way to the back of the pack, asking Ana how she was feeling and if she could keep going. As that conversation continued, the girls went to support Ana, and the boys waited. “I knew this would happen,” TJ said in frustration. “You need to cut your crap, mate,” Ethan responded, getting close to TJ. “I’m just saying what everyone is thinking.” “Don’t assume you know what we’re all thinking. Some of us have a heart. She’s a lot younger than the rest of us, of course she won’t keep up with our pace.” “Exactly, she can’t keep up. Now, I like her and all, but she’s beginning to slow us down. And if she can’t handle it, she needs to go back down. For her own safety, too.” “He’s got a point,” Fang said. They were all breathing heavily. Their argument caused even further strain on their lungs and oxygen intake. Everything they said came out slower, and more staggered. “Fine, whatever. We all know she’s making our lives more complicated. Every stop means our bodies get more tired… Which means we struggle that much more to breathe. Which in turn means we now risk our own lives,” TJ said. “So, we’re good, mate?” Ethan said with a stern look. Dorjee interrupted the moment of intensity between the two, giving them an update on Ana: “Ana needs extra oxygen and a bit more time to rest and recover before continuing.” The girls kept giving her support, talking to her, giving her hugs, making her laugh, and reminding her she wasn’t alone. The break was helpful for them, too. Sitting down for as long as they did made them realize how tough the climb was on their own bodies. With that stop, Ana was able to keep going. She still struggled, but she eventually made it to Camp 4. They all did.