(A)
In July, people in the city often escaped to relax in the mountains. Sean didn’t yet know it, but he was about to have the experience of a lifetime. “When I look around, all I see is the work I haven’t finished and the bills I haven’t paid,” he complained over the phone to his friend and doctor, Alex. Concerned about Sean, he said, “(a) You ’ve been stressed for weeks. Come see me for medical treatment if things don’t improve.”
(B)
Having hiked for several hours, Sean was thrilled to reach the top of Vincent Mountain. As Toby started to bark, Sean turned around and found him running toward a large pond. “What a nice, quiet place,” Sean whispered to himself. Among the trees, he could ease the stress of recent weeks. As night approached, however, the wind blew fiercely. Sean became nervous. Unable to sleep, (b) he called to his companion, “Come here, Boy!” He held the dog close in an effort to ignore the fear rushing in.
(C)
After what felt like the longest night of Sean’s life, the sky finally turned a beautiful shade of pink, and the warm sun shone around him. He packed up his equipment, enjoying his last moments in the mountain air. Finding Toby energetically running next to the campsite, Sean said, “(c) You must be as excited as I am after surviving a night like that!” Sean went down the mountain with a renewed sense of joy, and he exclaimed, “My treatment worked like a charm!”
(D)
Upon hearing this offer, Sean replied, “Thanks, but (d) I know just the treatment I need.” He told his friend about the Vincent Mountain hike he had read about. Alex anxiously warned, “Even in the summer, hiking can be dangerous. Don’t forget your safety checklist.” Following his friend’s words, (e) he added protective gear to his camping equipment. Sean put on his hiking clothes and tied up his boots. He almost forgot his new hiking sticks as he walked out the door with his dog, Toby.
