What if?

Chapter 13

The desert stretched out endlessly before them, its rugged terrain and barren landscape challenging their every step. Newt kept Thomas in his thoughts, silently vowing to find him and to finally express everything he had kept hidden for so long. Each footfall in the sand seemed to echo his determination—a steadfast resolve to reunite with his friend amidst the uncertainty of their journey.

As they walked, Teresa glanced at Newt from time to time, sensing the weight of his thoughts. She knew the bond between him and Thomas ran deep, forged through trials and tribulations that few could understand. Despite her own worries and fears, she remained by Newt's side, a silent pillar of support in their quest for Safe Haven.

The sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the desert landscape. The group continued onward, their pace steady but cautious, mindful of the harsh conditions and the unknown dangers that lurked in the vast expanse before them.

"We should find some shelter before nightfall," Teresa suggested, breaking the silence that had settled among them.

Newt nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of refuge. "There," he said, pointing towards a cluster of rock formations in the distance. "We can rest there for the night."

They quickened their pace, eager to reach the shelter of the rocks before darkness descended upon them. As they drew closer, they found a small alcove nestled between two towering boulders—a natural sanctuary from the elements.

"We'll set up camp here," Caleb announced, his voice firm with authority. "Get some rest and replenish our supplies."

The group worked together efficiently, gathering firewood and setting up their meager campsite. Teresa and a few others prepared a simple meal from their dwindling rations, while Newt and Lucas kept watch, their eyes scanning the desert for any signs of movement.

As they sat around the crackling fire, sharing their meager meal in companionable silence, Newt found himself lost in thought once more. Memories of Thomas flooded his mind—moments of laughter and camaraderie, shared secrets and unspoken truths. He recalled the nights in the Glade when they had sat by the fire, dreaming of a future beyond the walls of their confinement.

"Newt," Teresa's voice interrupted his reverie, bringing him back to the present. She handed him a makeshift plate of food, her eyes filled with concern. "You need to eat. We all do."

Newt nodded gratefully, accepting the food and forcing himself to focus on the present moment. He ate in silence, the taste of the dry rations a stark reminder of their harsh reality. But despite the challenges they faced, a flicker of hope remained alive within him—the hope of finding Thomas, of reuniting with their friends at Safe Haven.

As night fell over the desert, enveloping them in darkness, Newt took his turn at watch. He sat alone by the fire, the crackling flames casting dancing shadows across his face. The desert was eerily quiet, save for the distant cry of a nocturnal creature and the soft whisper of wind through the rocks.

Lost in his thoughts, Newt stared into the flickering embers, his mind wandering back to Thomas. He thought about their last moments together, the unspoken words that had hung between them as they parted ways. He wondered if Thomas ever knew how much he meant to him, how deeply he cared.

"I miss you, Tommy," Newt whispered into the night, his voice barely audible above the rustle of the desert breeze. "I hope you're out there somewhere, safe and... happy."

A shooting star streaked across the sky, a fleeting moment of brilliance amidst the darkness. Newt closed his eyes, silently making a wish—a wish for strength, for courage, and for the chance to see Thomas again.