In the denouement, Peak reunites with his family and which other person?

• A. The mayor.
• B. A business partner.
• C. His teacher.
• D. A desert guide.

Answer: (C)

Understanding the ending hinges on recognizing how Peak’s growth is tied to mentorship as well as family connections. In the final moments, Peak is not just reunited with his family; he also reconnects with his climbing teacher, the person who has been guiding his development as a climber. This teacher embodies the lessons Peak has learned about discipline, safety, and responsibility, and their presence signals that Peak isn’t abandoning climbing but building a future that blends his passion with maturity and careful judgment.

The other figures—the mayor, a business partner, or a desert guide—do not play a role in this closing moment. They don’t align with Peak’s personal arc or the resolution of his relationships, whereas the teacher represents the ongoing support system that has helped him grow as both a person and a climber.