Passages - Chapter 5 | Nevado Tres Cruces, Chile: The Cracking of the Will

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I do not believe in miracles. Yet, my solo life in the mountains has been one extended miracle, for I have survived some dangerous moments among them. This is necessary bravado. I must believe frequently in myself or I shall perish among the high peaks.

I try again to make that first step forward. But my leg lacks life, and repeated attempts at movement meet repeated resistance. It is immovable, as a sturdy tree rooted in the earth is immovable. The summit is mine. The weather promises success. The moment is propitious. I try again. I order it to move! But my leg remains firmly in place. I'm unable to control the most basic of human functions.