Gladers choice | TMR | Thomas | Minho

Chapter Thirteen

Lyra woke with a start, her eyes feeling heavy and slightly puffy from a restless night spent in the infirmary. Despite the comfort of the bed, thoughts of the previous evening gnawed at her. She sighed, feeling a pang of sadness knowing she wouldn't be sleeping in the familiar comfort of their shared space for a while. As she swung her legs over the side of the bed, testing her ankle, she winced slightly at the lingering pain, though it was much better than before.

Just as she was about to head out, the sound of rapid footsteps caught her attention. Chuck came bounding towards her at full speed, his face alight with enthusiasm. He practically launched himself at her, greeting her with the energy only a thirteen-year-old could muster. "Lyra! You're up! How are you feeling? Did you sleep okay?" His questions tumbled out in rapid succession, his excitement palpable.

Behind Chuck, Newt jogged over more slowly, his slight limp holding him back a bit. He reached out to gently tug Chuck's ear, a playful scold on his lips. "Easy there, Chuck. Lyra's still recovering, you know." His voice carried a warm concern as he glanced at Lyra, a small smile playing on his lips.

Lyra chuckled softly, ruffling Chuck's hair affectionately. "I'm alright, Chuck. Just a bit tired, that's all." She turned to Newt, who asked with genuine concern, "How's the ankle?"

"It's improving," Lyra replied with a reassuring smile. "I can walk without limping too much now."

Chuck, ever eager, interrupted their conversation with a tug on Lyra's sleeve. "C'mon, Lyra! Let's go get breakfast. I'm starving!" His grin was infectious, earning chuckles from both Lyra and Newt.

Lyra nodded in agreement, gesturing for Newt to join them. "How about you, Newt? Breakfast with us?"

Newt shook his head with a small laugh. "I just ate, thanks. I'll catch up with you two later."

"Alright then, see you later," Lyra called out as Chuck eagerly pulled her along towards the cafeteria. They walked side by side, Chuck chattering excitedly about his morning so far—about the activities in the Glade, the plans for the day, and his latest jokes that had everyone laughing.

Lyra took in the peaceful atmosphere of the Glade as they walked. The morning sun cast a warm glow over the lush surroundings, easing the tension she had felt earlier. As they passed by the central gathering area, Lyra spotted Alby in a heated discussion with a Glader, his voice carrying across the clearing. She couldn't help but smile, the familiar sight of Alby's leadership both reassuring and amusing.

Chuck's enthusiasm was infectious, and with each step, Lyra felt her spirits lifting. The pain in her ankle was subsiding, and she was grateful for the sense of normalcy returning to her day. Yet, beneath it all, the events of the night before still lingered in her mind—Thomas's words, the confusing dreams, and the lingering sense of unease.

Despite the distractions, she knew she had to talk to Thomas. The idea gnawed at her, a mix of guilt and curiosity. Why did he seem to know her so well? Why did she trust him in her dreams when she couldn't remember anything about their past together?

As they approached the cafeteria, Chuck continued his animated recounting of the morning's events. Lyra listened attentively, her mind racing with unanswered questions and a longing for clarity. She pushed aside the uncertainty, focusing on the comforting routine of breakfast and the camaraderie of her friends in the Glade.

** **

The bustling cafeteria greeted Lyra and Chuck with a cacophony of voices and clinking utensils. Chuck dashed ahead, weaving through the crowd with the enthusiasm only a Glader his age could muster. Lyra followed more slowly, exchanging nods and brief hellos with the familiar faces of her friends.