16,000 ft.

   He paused briefly.  The sweat was pouring down his body, under his heavy outfit.  His ice climbing gear felt heavy in his hands, on his back, on his feet.  Small clouds of fog puffed in front of his face as his labored breathing condensed in the air.  His muscles were rubbery, and he felt it would be nearly impossible for him to continue on.  But his friend was still up there, and he would die before he abandoned him.  He gritted his teeth, and continued on.