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

110 111 The Chosen: Battle with a Cerberosian Prince Fight or Flight on their minds was the food they were consuming, having other people around taking care of them. There was no impending danger, no imminent threat to their lives. They were able to celebrate their accomplishments. They received answers to the many questions they had. They climbed Mount Everest. They made it to the Summit. They made it successfully back to the bottom. They had each forged a genuine bond with the other five strangers they had met when they first arrived. All in all, it was a great moment. What was roughly a 30-minute mealtime felt like hours upon hours. Once they were done eating, Dorjee asked for everyone’s attention. There were a few things he needed to discuss with them before they left Base Camp and continued their journey. “I would like to formally congratulate you all for this massive accomplishment,” Dorjee said. Before Dorjee could continue, his team all stood to their feet and gave a loud round of applause. It was coupled with cheers, whistles, and loud chants of congratulations in their respective native languages. The climbers had made an impression on the locals and Dorjee’s team of sherpas. Not only had they become fond of them, but they had great respect for what they achieved. “Yes, give it up for these young people. They fully deserve it,” Dorjee said while the appreciation continued. They let it go on for a while, and then Dorjee continued: “I want you to know that you really do deserve this kind of response. You were all amazing these past two months. We have watched you and come alongside you from the day you arrived at the hotel to today, where we are standing here in celebration of your success. We have seen many people—older than you, more experienced climbers than you, folks who have come in knowing one another—who have failed. And yet you kids have come in here, not knowing one another, first-time climbers, and you have successfully conquered the mighty mountain, Chomolungma. Thank you for giving me the privilege of seeing you all grow as individuals, and as a team. We are extremely proud of you. I am extremely proud of you. You are by far my favorite climbing group that I have ever had the privilege of leading, and remember, I have been doing this for many, many years.” Towards the end of his speech Dorjee began to tear up. When he noticed Ana’s tears flowing down her cheeks, he decided that he had said enough. Pippa’s tears were also coming down, though not as fiercely as Ana’s. The others were just as moved, as they each had individual moments of internal reflection. This was an outstanding achievement by any standard. They all felt it. And Dorjee gave them time and allowed them to bask in their glory. Hearing Dorjee’s words and seeing the response of the team actually meant a lot to all of them. This was the greatest achievement of their young lives.