Here's why this is considered the climax:
* Rising Action: The story builds up to this moment with Phillip and Timothy's growing bond, their struggles to survive on the Cay, and the escalating threat of the approaching hurricane.
* Turning Point: The hurricane represents a major obstacle that tests their survival skills and their relationship.
* Consequences: The separation caused by the storm has devastating consequences for both characters. Phillip loses his sight and his connection to Timothy, while Timothy struggles with the guilt of losing his friend.
* Resolution: The aftermath of the hurricane sets the stage for the final act of the story, where Phillip learns to navigate his new world and Timothy confronts his own feelings of responsibility.
While there are other dramatic moments in the story, the hurricane's impact on the relationship between Phillip and Timothy, and the dramatic consequences that follow, solidify it as the climax of "The Cay."