What if?

Chapter 18

"Welcome to Safe Haven," said a woman, her voice echoing with sincerity. "You're among friends now. Rest, and we'll talk about what comes next."

Newt, Teresa, Caleb, Lucas, and the other survivors exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting a shared sense of relief and gratitude. They had crossed the sea, overcome countless obstacles, and now stood on the threshold of a new chapter in their lives—a chapter filled with challenges, uncertainties, but also the possibility of finding peace and rebuilding what had been lost.

Together, they would face whatever lay ahead, drawing strength from each other and the sanctuary of Safe Haven as they continued their journey in this fragile new world.

As Newt, Teresa, Caleb, Lucas, and the other survivors stepped onto the docks of Safe Haven, they were greeted by a mix of relief and anticipation. Residents of the settlement approached them with warm smiles and curious gazes, offering words of welcome and gestures of hospitality.

Among the crowd, Newt's eyes scanned eagerly for familiar faces. He spotted Thomas first, standing near the edge of the crowd with Minho at his side. Relief flooded Newt as their eyes met, and he hurried forward, his pace quickening with each step.

"Tommy!" Newt called out, his voice echoing over the bustling sounds of Safe Haven.

Thomas turned, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Newt?" he uttered, barely able to comprehend that his friend was standing before him.

Without another moment's hesitation, Newt sprinted towards Thomas, his steps quickening with each heartbeat. They collided in a fierce embrace, holding onto each other as if their lives depended on it. Tears streamed down Newt's face, his voice trembling with emotion.

"I thought I lost you," Newt managed to say amidst the rush of emotions.

"What do you mean? I thought I lost YOU!" Thomas replied still shocked. "B-but how? You were infected and-"

Thomas's voice caught in his throat, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions threatening to engulf him. His hands trembled as he held onto Newt, as if afraid that letting go would shatter the reality of their reunion.

Newt pulled back slightly, his eyes locked onto Thomas's, searching for answers in the familiar depths of his friend's gaze. "I was," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But... something happened. Teresa found me, and saved me. I know it sound impossible like that but she did."

Teresa stepped forward, her expression a mix of relief and urgency.

Thomas glanced between them, his mind racing with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. "I... I can't believe it," he murmured, a tremor in his voice betraying the depth of his feelings. "I never stopped hoping, but... to see you both..."

Minho's typically reserved expression softened into one of genuine emotion as he took a step forward. His voice, usually steady and gruff, wavered slightly with unspoken feelings as he addressed Newt.

"Welcome back, shank," Minho managed, his words carrying a weight of relief and joy that he struggled to express. With a sudden urgency, he pulled Newt into a tight embrace, holding him as if afraid that letting go would somehow erase the miracle of their reunion.

Newt, overwhelmed by the unexpected display of emotion from his usually stoic friend, felt tears prickling at the corners of his eyes. The weight of their shared trials and the sheer relief of being reunited in Safe Haven washed over him in a wave of gratitude and disbelief.

"Thanks, Minho," Newt choked out, his voice thick with emotion. In that embrace, amidst the backdrop of their newfound sanctuary, Newt felt the profound bond of friendship and brotherhood that had carried them through the darkest of times.

The others chimed in, each expressing their own relief and happiness at seeing Newt and Teresa safe. Brenda hugged them both tightly, tears streaking her cheeks. Jorge clapped Newt on the back with a wide grin, while Frypan offered them both a warm meal to celebrate their return.

Gally, who had kept his distance initially, approached cautiously. "Guess you're tougher than you look, Greenie," he said gruffly, but there was a hint of admiration in his eyes.

Newt chuckled softly, wiping tears from his cheeks. "Just lucky, I guess."

Maya, the leader of Safe Haven, approached with a warm smile, her eyes reflecting the profound relief of seeing the survivors return. "You made it," she said warmly, her voice carrying a sense of pride and compassion. "Welcome home."

As the sun began to set over Safe Haven, casting a warm glow over the reunion, the group gathered together, sharing stories of their trials and victories. Newt and Teresa recounted their journey through the Scorch and their perilous escape, while the others filled them in on what had transpired in Safe Haven during their absence.

In that moment, amidst the laughter and tears, Newt and Teresa felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. They had found their way back to the family they had thought lost, reaffirming that no matter how dire the circumstances, their bonds of friendship and love would endure.

Newt, Teresa, Thomas, and their friends exchanged stories of their journeys, of the trials they had faced and the challenges overcome. They recounted their experiences with WICKED, the dangers of the Scorch, and the moments of hope that had sustained them through their darkest hours.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Safe Haven, Newt found himself surrounded by the people who had become his family—the friends who had stood by him through every trial and triumph. He felt a profound sense of gratitude and relief, knowing that despite everything, they had found their way to safety and sanctuary.

But amidst the celebration, Newt's thoughts drifted to the future—to the uncertainties that still lay ahead, to the challenges they would face as they rebuilt their lives in Safe Haven. He glanced at Thomas, whose presence beside him was both a source of strength and a reminder of the bond they shared—a bond that had endured despite everything fate had thrown at them.

"We made it," Newt whispered, more to himself than anyone else, his voice laced with a mixture of disbelief and determination. "And we'll keep going. Together."

Thomas nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Together," he echoed, his gaze steady and unwavering as he looked at Newt. "Always."

And as they stood together in the gathering twilight, surrounded by the sounds of laughter and camaraderie, Newt knew that no matter what challenges awaited them, they would face them as they always had—united, resilient, and ready to embrace the future together.

Well, this step is done :) Hope you enjoyed it!

See you on the next chapter!

L'🥀