girl in the maze // {the maze runner, thomas}

chapter 8

 "Bring out the Pole," Alby instructs Newt, who nods and heads for the tool shed near the gardens.

I take a deep breath as I approach the quickly forming crowd near the East Door.

"You brought this on yourself, Ben," Alby mutters, shaking his head as he snaps the collared end of the Pole around Ben's neck.

"Please, Alby," Ben's face is a mess of tears and snot as he pleads. "I swear I was just sick in the head from the Changing. I never would've killed him—I just lost my mind for a second. And I didn't mean any harm to Lizzie. It was all a big mistake. Please, Alby, please."

Alby doesn't respond as he tugs on the collar, ensuring it's secure. He walks past Ben and along the pole, picking it off the ground and sliding it through his palms. Alby turns to the crowd once he arrives at the end of the pole, his eyes bloodshot, face wrinkled in anger, breathing heavily.

I always viewed Alby as a level-headed leader, who makes difficult decisions for the good of the Glade. Today, I see him as a boy who makes irrational choices out of anger and fear.

"Ben of the Builders," his voice booms over the boys' hushed conversations, "you've been sentenced to Banishment for the attempted murder of Thomas the Newbie, and the attack of Elizabeth, Keeper of the Medjacks. The Keepers have spoken, and their word ain't changing. And you ain't coming back. Ever." Alby pauses, finding my eyes in the crowd. He shakes his head and resumes. "Keepers, take your place on the Banishment Pole."

My feet feel like lead as I slowly make my way up to the Pole. I grip on, the coldness from the metal seeping into my bones. I look up and make direct eye contact with Ben.

"Elizabeth, please," he sobs, spit flying out of his mouth. "I didn't mean it, please."

"I know, Ben," I reply, my voice thick with emotion. "I'm sorry."

"Please," Ben voices, his desperation evident in his tone. "Pllllleeeeeeeeease! Somebody help me! You can't do this to me!"

"Shut up!" Alby roars.

I turn to glare at him. How dare he treat Ben, his friend, with such malice in his final moments. Final moments that could be avoided altogether.

"Someone stop them! Help me! Please!" Ben is yanking at his throat, desperately trying to get the collar off of him.

"If we let shanks like you get away with that stuff," Alby says, "we never would've survived this long. Keepers, get ready."

"No, no, no, no, no," Ben mutters under his breath. "I swear I'll do anything! I swear I'll never do it again! Pllllleeeeeee—"

The rumbling of the door beginning to close abruptly cuts off Ben's cries. The ground begins to shake.

I do my best to swallow the lump in my throat. I need to stay strong for all of the other Gladers.

And for Ben.

"Keepers, now!" Alby barks the order.

Ben's head snaps back as he's jerked forward. A strangled cry erupts from him, louder than the noise from the door. He falls to his knees, and the pole jerks slightly. He's pushed back to his feet by the Keeper at the front of the line, Zart, who displays a cruel, unforgiving smirk as he does so.

"Nooooooooo!" Ben screams, thrashing around and once again tugging at the collar. His eyes are so full of terror that looking at them is far too painful. "Nooo!" He screams again.

He attempts to plant his feet at the threshold, but he only holds his ground for a millisecond before he's pushed back, further into the mouth of the Maze.