Shadows in the Ice Summary and Analysis

Joe describes the fall and says the rope lashes against his face, his stomach revolts at the quick descent and he is pelted by objects falling with him. He cannot catch his breath for a moment, then relaxes and finds he can breathe. His broken leg is wedged beneath him but he is on a ledge and fears he will fall further into the crevasse. He has one remaining ice screw and works to attach that to the ice wall next to him in order to secure his position. Now Joe has survived the fall, he wonders about Simon. His first thought is that he will be rescued in the morning if he can only wait for Simon. His next is that Simon himself might be dead but he says he cannot face that thought...