What did Peak tell his father? Why?

• A. He told his father that he didn't make the summit and had run out of steam, to prevent him from knowing he had given up his shot to help a friend; he also planned to be there for PP's birthday.
• B. He admitted he had summited and was proud.
• C. He said he would quit climbing forever.
• D. He claimed he would return to New York immediately.

Answer: (A)

The central idea here is Peak’s motivation and how he handles pressure by balancing loyalty to friends and to his family. Peak tells his father that he didn’t reach the summit and had run out of steam, and this choice reveals why he would hide the truth: he doesn’t want his father to know that Peak sacrificed his own shot at glory to help a friend. That lie preserves the plan he’s formed to support someone in trouble, showing his willingness to bear personal risk and keep family trust intact. Adding that he intended to be there for PP’s birthday emphasizes how important his relationships are to him, even when climbing is dangerous and demanding.

Other possibilities don’t fit because they would shift the focus to personal success or immediate withdrawal from the climb, which isn’t consistent with Peak’s concern for his friend and his family. He’s not boasting about a summit, not quitting climbing forever, and not returning home right away; instead, he stays on the situation, choosing help for a friend and a promise to be present for PP’s birthday.