What surprised Peak the next morning? How was he feeling?

• A. He woke to 28 degrees, no wind, best weather yet, but he was disappointed; his throat was sore and muscles and joints felt like broken glass.
• B. He woke to a blizzard and felt energized.
• C. He felt no pain but was hungry.
• D. He felt elated and relaxed.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how a scene uses both the world around the character and the character’s body to reveal what they’re really feeling. Peak wakes up to weather that’s perfect for climbing—28 degrees, no wind, the best weather yet—so by all outward signs the day should be promising. But the line shows a strong inner contrast: he’s disappointed, and his body is hurting—his throat is sore and his muscles and joints feel like broken glass. That clash between ideal conditions and his physical pain is what makes the moment surprising and meaningful. It signals that success isn’t just about favorable weather; it depends on his body cooperating, which it isn’t doing right now.

The other descriptions wouldn’t fit what’s shown. A blizzard would ruin those conditions, not describe them as the best weather yet. Feeling energized, hungry, or elated and relaxed would clash with the clear note of disappointment and pain.