A bittersweet dream

-2b-

After a short walk they arrive at an open space in the woods, Newt has joined them. Brenda spins around as she admires the place, 'It is perfect, enough light will come through to grow food and there is a river just behind those trees.' 'There is also a lake within walking distance,' adds Thomas. Everybody starts exploring the place. Thomas watches as Brenda starts sketching the place in her little notebook. Newt walks up to him, 'I think it is a big hit Tommy, they really seem to like the place. I told you it would be fine.' Thomas puts his arm around Newt's shoulder, 'You're right Newt, you're always damn right.' They laugh and Thomas pulls Newt in a little bit closer before he lets down his arm. 'How about we go check out that lake?' says Newt and he gives Thomas a grin like he's up to something. It makes Thomas nervous but also curious. He turns around to the group and says; 'Hey guys, we're gonna check out that lake, see if it's useable for anything.' They're on their way before anyone can join. Thomas feels excitement boiling up in his body. He skips and jumps around while talking about all the ideas he has for the new village. Newt smiles and snickers a bit. 'What?', asks Thomas curious. 'Nothing, I just have never seen you like this.' 'Like what?' 'So happy, skipping around. I mean it doesn't surprise me that you came up with this idea. Even in the glade you had a lot of ideas to improve our way of living. Back then you seemed so serious. So this is a good look on you, it seems like a load has been lifted of your shoulders, you seem lighter.' 'Lighter? I don't exactly know what you're talking about, but I do indeed feel a lot better than the past few weeks.' 'I'm glad. Know take of your shirt and race me to the lake.' Newt takes off his shirt in a flash and starts running like crazy. Thomas smiles and gives him a head start before he goes running after him. After a few seconds Thomas runs past Newt. 'No fair, for a few seconds I forgot that you were a runner.' So did Thomas, he keeps running as images of the maze start appearing before his eyes. He stops and starts to breath heavily. Newt takes a sprint when he realizes that something is wrong with Thomas. 'Thomas, clam down. Hey, hey look at me, mate. You're fine, you're here with me.' He takes Thomas' hands and kneels before him, trying to make eye contact. As their eyes meet, Thomas' breathing starts to slow down. 'Alright mate, you are doing fine, slow breaths. Good... You alright?' Thomas stands up straight and takes one last deep breath. 'Yes, I'm fine.' Newt gives him a doubtful look. 'Really, I'm alright. Maybe you should worry about yourself?' 'What?' 'Because you're going to lose the race.' Thomas takes a little sprint and dives in the water. 'Damn that's cold!', he yells as he comes to the surface. 'Don't be a wuss, it can't be that bad.' Newt takes a run up and jumps in the lake. His head pops up just beside Thomas. 'Well that is damn cold.' They both laugh. 'I told you so,' says Thomas as he splashes water in Newt's face. 'O you wish you hadn't just done that.' Newt swims up to Thomas and pushes his head underwater. A little playfight starts as the sun lights up the lake.