MIZPAH, tmr | minho

𝖝𝖎𝖎𝖎. new leader

NEW LEADER

It was silent all for about five seconds until Alex let out a heartbreakingly painful scream. The tears freely fell down Aurora's cheeks as she watched her best friend sob after loosing the love of his life.

The Gladers stood silently, watching the scene unfold. Alby stood paralysed with shock — it had just probably occurred to him that he was now in charge, the boy being forced to grow into a man.

Billy, the Keeper of the Baggers, came over with some of his workers who gently picked up Jake's dead figure in their arms, their eyes glistening in the sun's rays.

"NO!" sobbed Alex, rushing forward but being held back by Gally's strong arms. "Don't take him, please don't! Jake, come back!"

Aurora cried but got up from where she was stood and made her way over to Billy. She gently pulled down his eyelids, shutting Jake's eyes one last time. Billy solemnly nodded, then carried on walking to the Deadheads — the rest of the Baggers slowly trailing behind him.

Alex was still sobbing, and Aurora rushed back over to him, immediately pulling him into her arms. He rested his head on her shoulder, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist.

"I can't believe he's gone!" Alex choked out, crying into Aurora's shoulder. Most of the Gladers began to slowly disperse and walk away, leaving the group of friends wallowing in their emotions.

"I know," Aurora said softly, "I'm here and I'm never leaving you, shhhh."

Alex's sobs began to slow, now sniffling and gasping slightly. She rubbed small circles onto his back in an attempt to sooth the grieving boy. Aurora tilted her head so she could see the other boys. They were all stood with their mouths open in shock, only a few moments ago they were talking to Jake — laughing and joking with him. But now there was only silent, an empty void of where laughter once was.

Gally bent down to Aurora and Alex's level, before gently coaxing him to stand up. Gally then carefully led Alex back to the Homestead, the occasional sob still being heard.

She stood up; a look of disbelief plastered onto her face. It hasn't quite sunk in yet that Jake was dead... and it felt like it was all her fault.

"Aurora..." Alby said quietly, "Are you okay?"

She shrugged in reply, not wanting to let her emotions get the better of her. "Are any of us really okay now?"

Her response was met with bitter silence, only heaving breathing being heard. Aurora didn't want to stay anymore; she didn't say anything — only left and headed towards the river.

There were calls and shouts from behind her, but Aurora ignored it and began to run into the Deadheads at an alarming speed that surprised the Gladers.

This is all my fault. Jake is dead and it's my fault. Everyone is going to hate me. What if they banish me?