𝗧𝗪𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗣𝝠𝗧𝗛𝗪𝝠𝗬𝗦-𝗠𝝠𝗭𝗘 𝝝𝗙 𝗪𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗗 ➳ TMR

Chapter 18- Better than ever

TW: Hints on self harm and abuse
These are really small hints, but if you're going through this right now, I'm always here if you need to talk or just someone that listens. I'm here.
Much love and enjoy
Lizzy

I woke up, the sun, as always, still not up; fortunately, I slept without having any weird dreams.

The hut was just like when I entered—Mari wasn't here at any time of the night.

I quickly got to my feet, leaving the bed a mess.

My clothes smelled like total Klank; I really hoped Newt found me good ones, and I could really use a shower.

I don't care if it's freezing or cold.

Stepping outside, the cool morning air hit me.

The Glade was eerily quiet, the first rays of dawn were beginning to peek over the towering walls, casting a soft glow across the grounds.

I made my way to the showers at the Homestead, being aware of any movement to avoid any Gladers who woke up early.

Newt already stood in front of the showers, with a folded pile of clothes.

"G'morning, slept alright?" He handed me the pile.

"Mhm," I took the clothes from him, what a good morning. "Actually better than the last few nights."

"That's good, I'll stand outside of the showers and keep watch. No ones going into or is in the shower at these times, but still if it makes you feel better, I'm here."

"Thanks Newt. I won't take long." I entered the shower rooms, maybe overreacted but I still did it, I checked every shower to be sure no one was in there with me. No one was, so I shedded off my clothes.

My sweater a tearing weight, my leggings full of sweat, without them a weight does fall off.

I walked into the first shower.

The water was cold, but it felt good against my skin, washing away the exhaustion of the previous days. I let the water run over me, clearing my mind as well as my body. The water beneath me turned brown, swirling down the drain along with the dirt and grime of the last few days. I took a deep breath, feeling a bit lighter as the cold water invigorated me. I quickly finished up.

After drying off and putting on the fresh clothes Newt had provided—a simple, oversized but clean t-shirt, shorts, and I kept my boots—I have never worn shorts or a t-shirt before, well as long as I can remember, which is only 3 years, but still.

I gathered my dirty clothes into a bundle and stepped out.

Newt was leaning against the wall but he straightened up when he saw me, looking me up and down but not in a 'checking out' way or a 'judgy' way, I don't know what way. "Uh, what's-" he stopped himself, brushing over it. "Feeling better?"

"Much," I said, trying to smile a grateful smile, what the Finch was that about? Do I look weird? "Thanks for the clothes." Can he just tell me what he was about to say, that Stick, I hate when people don't finish their sentences.

"Anytime," he replied, his awkward look almost gone. "Now let's get some breakfast before the day's chaos begins, I already saw Alby and Minho getting ready for the Griever tour, you'll run with another Runner today."

"Where should I put these?" I motioned to the stack of my old clothes.

"Throw them into the bin there." He pointed to a container next to the door of the showers.