The Priceless Variable

Bonfire Worship

As a temporary punishment, Jorge and Vince placed Aiden in a small, empty hut that stands a little bit further out from the village. He sits in defeat with his hands tied to the main support beam. Only Frypan and Courtney have been bringing him food and medical attention. Neither of them interacted with him while they came in.

Meanwhile, Newt walked Mallory to the medical center after breakfast. They're holding hands and smiling. They look like they couldn't be any happier.

"Have a good day." Newt said.

"You too. See you at lunch." Mallory said.

They shared a quick kiss before going their separate ways.

Mallory walked into the medical center to see Courtney putting away some medical supplies.

"Hi, Aunt Courtney." she said.

"Hey." Courtney said.

Mallory could tell that her aunt a bit of an agitated tone in her voice.

"Is everything okay?" she asked.

"Yeah. I just wish that Jorge and Vince can figure out a long-term punishment for Aiden. Even though it's my job to help the sick and injured, it kills me to check on that kid because of what he did." Courtney said.

"I know." Mallory simply said.

"Umm, just curious. What would you guys have done in the Maze as punishment?" Courtney asked.

Mallory took a moment to think because she hasn't thought of anything from the Maze in a long time.

"Depending on what they did to break the rules, the Keepers would either throw them in the Pit for a certain amount of time or banish them into the Maze with the Grievers." she explained.

"Interesting. It's too bad that we can't do either." Courtney said.

"Yeah, but I'm make sure Jorge and Vince will figure it out." Mallory said.

"You're right." Courtney said.

Then, a random kid came into the medical center holding his left arm in pain. Time for them to get to work.

Later on in the afternoon, Mallory spotted Joel and Luke talking to Jorge and Vince a short distance away. She couldn't tell what they were talking about, but it didn't seem like anything bad since the four of them looked to be smiling. Then, they spotted her and walked towards her.

"Mallory, just the girl we wanted to see." Jorge said.

"Why? Is everything okay?" she asked.

"Everything's fine." Luke assured.

"So, what's up?" Mallory asked.

"Well, two things. One: we decided that we will keep Aiden alone at that hut as a permanent punishment. Two: we're thinking of having a bonfire tonight to have everyone together." Vince explained.

"Okay, cool." Mallory said.

"How does that sound?" Jorge asked.