One Wrong Step

Atlas hears a horrible whooshing sound up the mountainside, and through binoculars, he can see snow drifting down—evidence of an avalanche. There is no way of knowing whether the expedition has been affected. Even Chodak starts to show signs of fear through his characteristic calm, and Maddie openly states the possibility that the group could be buried alive. Atlas tries to use the radio to reach them several times but gets only static in response. He starts to realize that something horrible may have happened.

Atlas is convinced that he must climb the mountain and rescue his father. Although he doesn’t voice this aloud, Chodak Sherpa senses his thoughts anyway and forbids Atlas from going to the North Col (where he would then start the ascent proper). Atlas demands to go anyway, refusing to leave without even attempting to see whether the group is still alive. Maddie agrees and gets her pack ready, and Chodak realizes that he has no choice but to go with them. Maddie admits that she has never done a climb anywhere near this difficult, an admission that worries Atlas.