A suffocating amount of aura is engulfing the Norman household. Both Charlotte and Aaron have Mallory in their minds. Charlotte is trying to distract herself by catching up on the housework, while Aaron is doing extra reps on his normal exercise routine.

Ring. Ring. Ring. The ringing of the phone interrupts the built up tension.

“Charlotte, I’ll get it!” calls Aaron, wiping sweat from his face with a towel which drapes over his neck. The caller ID: Private Caller. “Hello?”

“Hello, Aaron Norman,” says a high, suspicious, squeaky voice.

“Who is this?” Being exhausted, nervous, and frustrated causes Aaron to snap.

“I’m from a charity service known as Helpful Hands,” the person replies calmly. “We are a new organization which helps out families who are suffering from long-term diseases and injuries.”

“Never heard of yah,” Aaron replies.

“Well, we are a new organization that recently got funding from a very influential politician,” the person replies.

“Such as?” asks Aaron suspiciously.

“That’s confidential,” the person replies.

“Why should I trust such a group that keeps their information confidential,” Aaron points out.

“Oh you’ll sing another tune when you hear our offer,” the person continues.

“Unlik—” starts Aaron.

“We are offering a 300 billion dollar donation to those who take the offer. All you need to do is climb Thanatos Mountain. Simple and easy for someone like you Mr. Norman.”

Aaron takes sometimes to consider the offer. In his mind is thinking about how this offer could either help Mallory and Charlotte or just be a total hoax. The fact that Mallory can’t work because of his heart condition forces Charlotte to pay the medical expenses. Though she loves Mallory, Charlotte ends up working endless hours day in and day out. She shoulders all of the burden and Aaron doesn’t like to see his wife in so much pain.

“I’ll do it for my friends, Mallory and Charlotte,” Aaron replies confidently.

“As I assumed you would,” the person replies. “Send the picture of you on top of Thanatos Mountain to xxx-xxxx. Two days from now, hike up Thanatos Mountain. I’m looking forward to the picture.” The line goes dead.

“Who was it?” calls Charlotte.

“A charity service who is willing to give us 300 billion dollars to help with Mallory’s medical bills,” Aaron replies. “I just have to climb Thanatos Mountain.”

Crash. The glass plate that Charlotte was holding slips from her fingers hearing the word Thanatos Mountain.

“You can’t!” she cries. “Thanatos Mountain got its name because no one has ever climbed it and come back alive. The weather conditions are wacky and the climb is torturous with steep cliffs and sharp rocks protruding from the sides. One fall and it’s over! PLEASE don’t go! What person would climb Thanatos Mountain for 300 billion dollars? That much money isn’t worth your life and Mallory wouldn’t want you to do it either! It’s a scam. They can easily say 300 billion because they know no one will make it back!”

“Even if it’s a scam, it will help take off the heavy burden for you, I’ll do anything,” Aaron replies, “I already thought it through and this is my decision. I love you and will protect you as a man.”