Which factor contributed to Peak's trouble during the climb?

• A. Fear of heights
• B. Bad weather
• C. Waiting
• D. Fatigue

Answer: (C)

Timing matters in a climb. Waiting at a critical moment changes the situation because conditions can shift, energy drains, and options shrink the longer you delay. When Peak paused instead of moving forward, a secure sequence became harder to execute: daylight fades, weather can worsen, fatigue grows, and the route becomes more exposed. That delay amplifies small issues into bigger risks, making a manageable ascent turn precarious.

So the trouble stems from the act of waiting itself—what seemed solvable in the moment becomes risky as time passes. Other factors like fear or bad weather can contribute, but the pause is what directly escalated the danger by reducing Peak’s available options and increasing exposure.