Mark dives forward, wildly reaching down the crevasse. Moments pass before his numb fingers process the thrashing dog he holds by the collar. However, Mark can’t lift Beau back to safety, and Beau falls into the crevasse. Fortunately, its narrow icy walls catch Beau after he falls just a few feet. Despite the moment’s relief, Mark knows that if he doesn’t save Beau quickly, the dog’s body heat will melt the icy walls and swallow him further into the crevasse. Mark retrieves the rope from his backpack, ties a knot at its end, and throws it over the edge. Once Beau finally bites the rope, Mark heaves him to safety, hugging him fiercely on top of his breathless chest. As they lay on the ground, the air suddenly clears to reveal the breathtaking mountain.

Mark becomes acutely aware of the mountain’s beauty and Beau’s faithful, living form next to him, and his whole mindset changes. In stark contrast to his previous attitude, Mark says, “I don’t want to die, Beau. Not here” (213). Mark remembers his family and the people who helped him on his journey, and he finds himself walking back down the mountain.