The Glade

Volunteers

I stayed in the medjack hut for a long time, until even the ashes of the bonfire had gone out.

As I re-entered the homestead, I hurried into what had become Gally and I's room. It's a little weird, but it's nothing funny, just Gally being a good friend. Ever since Dean, Gally refused to allow me to return to my sleeping bag, preferring to share the small bed with me. The first few nights were awkward and restless, as I tried to stay rigged and avoid touching. Now I can't imagine returning to the crummy sleeping bag when I enter, Gally is still awake. 

He doesn't speak or stir but I can tell by his breathing he's still awake. I quickly change trusting Gally not to look before I climb in next to him. "Where were you?" he mumbles as I settle in "I stayed in the medjack hut, Newt broke his leg," I explain and he doesn't push further. It's silent after that and it doesn't take me long with Gally's warmth and the soft bed to fall asleep.

The next morning I'm woken up by the sound of Alby's glader call, it's way too early and I immediately regret making the cone he's using to amplify the call. I groan as I pull my pillow over my face, Gally being horrible ruins my last moments of rest by taking the pillow away. "Come on," he says still groggy. "Just let me stay here until you're changed," I plead and Gally sighs finally pulling himself out of bed. 

I nuzzle back into the pillow he throws at me and keep my eyes securely shut while he changes. "You can look now," he says after a few moments, but I stay still, still wanting to reclaim a few moments of rest. Gally pulls the blanket off my body and wrenches away my pillow, "I'm going downstairs, you've got ten minutes or I'll be back to drag you out," he claims and I mock him as I finally open my eyes.

Once the door is shut and I hear his footsteps fade I pull myself out of the bed. I hurry in getting changed, so I don't have to face an angry Gally. When I walk down the stairs Alby is already talking "As many of you know, yesterday, Newt, keeper of the runner broke his leg in the maze. Newt has handed his position as keeper over to Minho," Alby starts as I make my way to stand with George and Gally.

"We know we're short-handed, but we need a volunteer. Even two, to help continue exploring the maze," Alby adds and immediately I notice George straighten, I look over at him and can see Gally grab his shoulder and whisper hushed words to him. "I feel useless here," I overhear George, Gally tightens his grip on George whose jaw tightens at whatever Gally says next. 

Eventually, Tim volunteers and Alby dismisses the rest of us. I watch as Alby brings Tim to Minho for inspection. Just because Tim volunteers doesn't mean he'll be accepted, but I wouldn't be shocked if he is. The maze is the only way out. 

Part of me wants to go back out there myself, but as much as I want out, fear keeps me in.