What if?

Chapter 1

Thomas stood at the edge of the sea, his reflection rippling with each pebble he tossed into the water. The Safe Haven had provided them with safety and stability, but it couldn't erase the memories of those they had lost. Newt's sacrifice haunted him, and Teresa's betrayal, followed by her apparent death, left a wound that refused to heal.

"Thomas," Minho called out, breaking through his reverie. "You coming or what?"

Thomas turned to see his friend standing by the communal dining hall, his expression impatient yet concerned. "Yeah, I'll be right there."

As they walked back together, Minho glanced at Thomas. "Still thinking about them?"

"Every day," Thomas admitted. "It feels wrong to be here without them."

Minho nodded, his usual bravado subdued. "We all miss them, man. But we have to keep moving forward. It's what they would have wanted."

They entered the dining hall, where the survivors had gathered for the evening meal. Frypan was busy serving up bowls of stew, his culinary skills a small but cherished comfort in their new life. Brenda and Jorge sat at a table, deep in conversation, their faces reflecting a rare moment of ease.

Thomas took his seat, trying to push away the melancholy. The others chatted and laughed, finding solace in each other's company. Yet, despite the warmth of the room, Thomas felt a gnawing emptiness.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and a figure stumbled in, drawing everyone's attention. It was Gally, his face pale and eyes wide with shock.

"What's wrong?" Thomas asked, rising to his feet.

Gally struggled to catch his breath. "You... you need to see this. Now."

The urgency in his voice sent a chill through the room. The group followed him outside, their earlier sense of security replaced by a mounting dread. Gally led them to the edge of the settlement, where a small crowd had already gathered.

In the distance, two figures were making their way toward the Safe Haven. They moved slowly but with determination, their silhouettes growing clearer with each step.

Thomas's heart pounded in his chest as recognition set in. "It can't be..."

The crowd parted as the figures approached, revealing Newt and Teresa. They looked exhausted, their clothes tattered and faces gaunt, but unmistakably alive.

"Newt! Teresa!" Thomas shouted, sprinting forward.

Newt's eyes met his, and a weary smile broke across his face. "Tommy... we made it."

Thomas enveloped Newt in a fierce hug, the relief and joy overwhelming. "I thought you were dead. Both of you."

Teresa stepped forward, her gaze locking with Thomas's. "We almost were. But we had to come back. We had to find you."

Minho joined them, his usual tough exterior giving way to raw emotion. "You idiots. We thought we lost you."

Newt chuckled, a sound that was both familiar and comforting. "It takes more than a little Crank infection to get rid of me."

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It was just a dream, he reminded himself. Newt and Teresa were still gone.

Sitting up, he rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the lingering remnants of the dream. It had felt so real, their voices, their faces, the hope that had surged through him. But reality was unforgiving, and the losses they had suffered were permanent.