A heavy snowstorm, far exceeding the initial weather forecast, swept across the mountainous region. Hikers, caught unprepared, found themselves battling blizzard conditions. Among them were three friends – Kenji, a seasoned mountaineer; Hana, a meticulous planner; and Taro, a novice adventurer. Kenji, relying on his experience, initially dismissed the severity of the storm. He urged his friends to continue their trek, confident in his ability to navigate the treacherous terrain. Hana, however, voiced her concerns, pointing to the rapidly deteriorating weather and the dwindling daylight. She proposed a descent, arguing that their safety was paramount. Taro, caught between his experienced friend and the cautious planner, remained silent, his uncertainty evident. The storm intensified. Visibility dropped to near zero. Kenji, despite his skill, misjudged a path and they tumbled down a steep slope. Hana, injured in the fall, lay helpless. Kenji, suffering from hypothermia, had little strength to help her. Taro, though frightened, managed to activate the emergency beacon. As they waited for rescue, a profound silence descended. Kenji, recognizing the gravity of the situation, apologized for his arrogance and reckless decision-making. He confessed that his pride had clouded his judgment, endangering his friends. Hana, despite her pain, accepted his apology, focusing on their survival. During the long wait, a philosophical conversation unfolded. Hana spoke of the acceptance of mortality, arguing that appreciating life to the fullest meant understanding its eventual end. Kenji, reflecting on his near-death experience, revealed a newfound respect for life's fragility and the importance of ethical consideration in challenging situations. Taro, witnessing this exchange, reflected on the contrast between Kenji's initial self-reliance and his later regret. He understood the importance of humility and the collaborative nature of overcoming adversity. Rescue arrived before dawn. Hana’s injuries required immediate medical attention, but all three survived. The experience fundamentally changed their perspectives, emphasizing the weight of moral responsibility, the limitations of human control, and the inescapable reality of death.
1. What was the primary cause of the hikers’ perilous situation?
2. How did Hana’s approach to the situation differ from Kenji’s?
3. What significant change occurred in Kenji’s attitude after the accident?
4. What is the central theme explored in the passage, regarding Hana’s philosophical conversation?
5. Which of the following best describes Taro’s role in the narrative?