(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.