What if?

Chapter 12

The night draped over the desert like a heavy cloak, muffling the sounds of the world beyond their small encampment. Around the flickering fire, the survivors settled into their makeshift beds, exhaustion pulling at their bones after a day of walking under the relentless sun. Newt and Teresa shared a corner of one of the caves, their bodies close for warmth despite the rough ground beneath them.

Outside the cave, Caleb stood watch, his silhouette outlined against the starlit sky. His eyes scanned the horizon, vigilant for any signs of movement or danger. The desert was eerily quiet, save for the occasional whisper of wind through the rocks and the distant cry of a nocturnal creature.

Inside, the group had settled into an uneasy quiet. Some slept fitfully, their bodies twitching with the remnants of dreams or the fear of the unknown. Others sat in silence, lost in their thoughts or quietly murmuring prayers for safety.

Newt shifted beside Teresa, his gaze lingering on the dancing flames of the fire, she was talking to some others so he didn't inturrupted. Instead he found himself lost in a maze of memories, his thoughts consumed by Thomas. Each step seemed to stir up a whirlwind of emotions—regret for lost time, sorrow for missed opportunities, and an overwhelming sense of longing that tugged at his heartstrings.

He remembered the first time they had met in the Glade, how Thomas had arrived with no memory and yet had managed to carve out a place in their ragtag community. Newt had been drawn to Thomas's courage and determination, his relentless spirit that refused to accept defeat even in the face of insurmountable odds.

Their bond had deepened in the Maze, where they had faced terror and uncertainty together. Newt had watched as Thomas evolved from a bewildered Greenie to a leader who inspired hope in their darkest hours. They had shared secrets, fears, and dreams under the watchful eye of the Maze's towering walls, forging a connection that went beyond friendship.

But it was more than that for Newt. As they escaped the Maze and confronted WICKED, he had come to realize the depth of his feelings for Thomas—a love that transcended the boundaries of friendship. It was a love that he had buried deep within himself, afraid to acknowledge for fear of what it might mean in their perilous world.

Now, in the silence of the desert, Newt allowed himself to confront those feelings. He recalled the moments of tenderness they had shared, the way Thomas's smile could light up even the bleakest of days, the touch of his hand that sent shivers down Newt's spine. He remembered the ache in his chest whenever Thomas was in danger, the fierce protectiveness that welled up inside him whenever they were apart.

Teresa glanced at Newt from time to time, concern etched on her face as she saw the turmoil in his eyes. She knew of their bond, of the unspoken connection that had always existed between them. But she also understood the complexities of their situation—the dangers they faced, the uncertain future that lay ahead.

"Newt," she finally said softly, breaking through his thoughts. "We're going to find them. We're going to find him. We'll find Thomas and we'll find Safe Haven."

Newt blinked back the tears that threatened to spill over, his throat tightening with emotion. "I hope so, Teresa. I hope so."

Outside, Caleb shifted his stance, his senses on high alert. He had seen movement in the distance—a flicker of movement against the dark backdrop of the desert. He tightened his grip on his weapon, silently urging the others to remain asleep.

Minutes passed like hours as he watched, the tension mounting with each passing second. Finally, the figure emerged from the shadows—a lone traveler, weary and wary, navigating the desert with cautious steps.

Caleb stepped forward, his voice low but firm. "Identify yourself."

The traveler froze, hands raised in a gesture of surrender. "I mean no harm," he called back, his voice carrying across the desert night. "I'm just passing through."

Caleb approached cautiously, his gaze assessing the newcomer. "Where are you headed?"

The traveler hesitated, glancing back towards the distant city on the horizon. "Anywhere but here," he replied cryptically. "I heard there might be a settlement out this way. Thought I'd try my luck."

Caleb lowered his weapon slightly, a flicker of empathy in his eyes. "There's a group of us seeking refuge at Safe Haven," he explained. "You're welcome to join us, if you're willing to lend a hand."

The traveler considered this for a moment, weighing his options in the silence that stretched between them. Finally, he nodded slowly. "Lead the way."

Back inside the cave, Newt and Teresa stirred as Caleb returned with the newcomer in tow. The group roused from their uneasy rest, eyes wide with wariness as they took in the stranger among them.

Caleb introduced him as Lucas, a weary traveler seeking refuge like the rest of them. Lucas offered a tentative smile, his hands held out in a gesture of peace.

"We'll keep watch in shifts," Caleb announced, his voice carrying authority born of experience. "Rest while you can. We have a long journey ahead of us."

As dawn broke over the desert, casting hues of pink and gold across the sky, the group gathered their belongings and prepared to continue their trek towards Safe Haven. They left the caves behind, their footsteps leaving faint imprints in the soft desert sand.

Newt and Teresa walked side by side, their spirits buoyed by the addition of Lucas to their group. The journey ahead was daunting, filled with uncertainty and danger, but they walked with purpose and determination, their minds set on the hope of finding safety and sanctuary at Safe Haven.

And as they pressed on through the vast expanse of the desert, their footsteps echoed a silent promise—a promise of resilience, solidarity, and the unyielding belief that together, they would find a way to forge a new beginning in a world forever changed.

They continued their journey through the desert, the sun sinking low on the horizon. Newt kept Thomas in his thoughts, silently vowing to find him, to tell him everything he had kept hidden for so long. The desert stretched out endlessly before them, but Newt's determination burned bright—a beacon of hope in the vast expanse of uncertainty.

I'm really looking forward the reunion. It's going to be really emotional and cute :)) Hope you enjoyed!

See you on the next chapter!

L'🥀