Focus on Heather's comfort

You keep your focus entirely locked on Heather, deliberately ignoring Vicky’s biting commentary from above. Heather’s face is completely crimson, her eyes darting between you and the sharp rock trail as she tries to master her breathing.

“Take your time,” you say softly to Heather, your voice a quiet, protective shield against the freezing wind and the high-altitude tension. You keep your arm floating lightly behind her waist, not quite touching her, but close enough that she can feel the physical barrier protecting her from another fall. “The trail gets a little wider just around this bend. Just focus on your footing.”

Heather lets out a shaky, incredibly grateful breath, nodding silently as she focuses on placing one heavy boot in front of the other. Your proximity seems to act like an anchor; the frantic pace of her breathing gradually slows, though her cheeks remain deeply flushed.

Up ahead, the path thankfully opens up into a small, relatively flat clearing where the trail transitions back into the treeline. Dana and Lauren are already waiting there, stomping their boots to keep their circulation moving, while Maya is leaned against a boulder, energetically catching her breath.

As you guide Heather into the clearing, Vicky finally catches up, stepping out of the narrow switchback with a crisp, rigid stride. Her eyes dart between you and Heather, her jaw tight with an unspoken, highly calculated annoyance.

“Alright, ladies,” Dana calls out, her sharp, authoritative voice cutting through the chill as she pulls her hood back a fraction. “We’re out of the worst of the wind. From here, it’s a straight shot back down to the cabin. Once we get back, get cleaned up, and get ready for dinner. We have a long week ahead of us, and I want you all fresh.”