Everest

In his wildest dreams, Dennis Hinderman never thought he would be here now, on the top of Everest. It was a grueling journey. The last fifty feet took an hour even though it was on level ground. But there was snow. Oh, the snow blinded him and whipping from all directions. The oxygen was scarce and it took all his energy behind each step to make any progress.

But like a switch, the weather cleared when he reached the summit. He stood there, barely, with his group admiring the view. He could see for miles. He could see clouds below him. Clouds!

He looked down at his arm, what was left of it. They had said he wouldn't be able to make it on one good hand. That it was too hard. Give up, Dennis, they said.

The group leader told them it was time to back down. The summit or anywhere near it was no place to be in the dark. Dennis took one more look, let it soak in, and joined the others for the descent.