Stars

Stars: A Short Story

The bonfire was loud and exciting, per the usual. Groups of 2-6 boys standing around, holding drinks and laughing amongst themselves. The fire crackled and danced, and Y/N, sitting against a log, became mesmerized. A long day it had been, filled with hard labor and sweat.

The busy noise seemed to all join together into a dull hum while she focused on the flames. Eyes wide, she suddenly stood up and made her way to the outskirts of the party, where it was quieter and smaller groups were talking. No one paid any attention as she left the comfort of the lit area and walked up a grassy hill.

Once at the top, Y/N turned around to face the gathering below. She could see all her friends socializing and having a good time, finally being able to let loose and forget the hardships of the past week. Last Monday, the gladers had to banish one of their own, and the loss had hit most pretty hard. With a sigh, Y/N turned back around and sat down, legs extended and hands feeling the soft grass. She stared at the walls of the Maze, letting her mind wander to wherever it liked. Finally looking up, she surveyed the dark sky. Bringing her knees to her chest, Y/N sat there, quiet, observant. She could hear the crickets, finally waking after a long days rest, the buzz from the bonfire, and, if she really stretched for it, the walls of the Maze moving and changing.

The patter of soft footsteps shook her from her daze, and in front of her, she saw the reflection of a small light. From the silhouette the light left on the ground, Y/N could tell that Newt had been the one to follow her up the hill. Her cheek resting on her knees, she stared at his shadow, still, unmoving, watching. After a slow minute had passed, Newt held his lantern a bit higher, allowing for the light to shine on Y/N's face. Taking a hesitant step forward, Newt sat down and set the light in between them. Uncomfortable with Newt's strong gaze staring at her, Y/N moved her head and continued to look at the Maze doors. She could hear Newt shift into a more comfortable sitting position, and she glanced at him. He, too, was looking around the Glade, looking quite content with where he was in the moment.

Whispers were drawn out between the two friends, making small talk. They discussed the creatures and the walls and how beautiful the Glade truly was when one took the time to look. A small breeze stirred the air and made Y/N's hair dance. Newt watched her, seeing a small smile appear on the girl's face as she closed her eyes and let the wind rush through her hair and on her face. Reaching out slowly, Newt brushed a strand of hair from her eyes, tucking it neatly behind her ears. Y/N looked at Newt, both gazing deeply into the others eyes. The pair stayed like that for a minute, neither daring to look away. With a sudden breath, Y/N laid down, letting the grass mold around her. Watching her for a second longer, Newt laid down, too. He watched the girl look fondly up at the sky, wondering what she was thinking, and trying to follow her gaze. He knew she was looking at the sky, but how could someone stare at nothingness for so long? he wondered.

Abruptly breaking the silence, "Are they real?" Y/N questioned. Newt looked at her, a blank stare on his face. "The stars," she continued, "Are they real?" The inquiry had taken Newt by surprise. He didn't know if the stars were real, he had never thought to ask. "I-I'm not sure. I've never thought about it." He looked into Y/N's face, hoping his response didn't bother her. She seemed unphased. "I mean, they could be," He started. "For all we know, they're real. I'll believe they're real until I have evidence they aren't." No response from Y/N, not even a nod of her petite head. Newt looked back at the sky, trying to figure out what she found so fascinating.

"Do you know the constellations?" Y/N questioned again. Her tone of voice seemed peaceful and content. Wide-eyed and surprised by the question again, Newt turned to look at her. This time, he was met by Y/N's bright eyes staring back at him. "I don't know." He answered honestly. "Maybe before the Glade I did, but I don't now." Yet another gloomy response from him, he hoped she wouldn't ask him to leave. Newt looked back at Y/N, her eyes unwavering from his face, gears clearly turning in her head.