The Maze Runner Reacts and Oneshots

Chuck reacts to Your First Day

The metal doors of the Box clanged open, letting in a flood of harsh sunlight that made you squint. Your heart raced as you looked up, blinking to adjust to the sudden brightness. The voices above were a mix of curiosity and authority, and the first face that came into view was that of a boy about your age, with messy brown hair and a wide grin.

"Hey, greenie! Welcome to the Glade!" The boy called out, his voice warm and full of energy. He leaned over, extending a hand to help you out of the Box. "Name's Chuck."

You hesitated for a second, taking in the strange surroundings. The walls of the Glade were towering stone, enclosing a sprawling, open area filled with other boys, all busy with various tasks. Everything felt overwhelming, but Chuck's hand was steady, and his smile was contagious.

"Come on, I'll help you out of there," Chuck encouraged, his tone gentle.

You reached up and grabbed his hand, and he pulled you up with surprising strength for someone his size. As your feet touched the ground, your legs wobbled, the disorientation of your sudden arrival still fresh in your mind. Chuck noticed and quickly placed a hand on your shoulder to steady you.

"It's okay, it's normal to feel a bit out of it on your first day. I felt the same way when I got here," he reassured you, his eyes full of understanding.

You looked around, trying to make sense of the bustling activity. Everywhere you looked, there were boys your age, all seeming to know exactly what they were doing. You, on the other hand, felt completely lost.

"What... what is this place?" You managed to ask, your voice shaky.

"This is the Glade," Chuck said, his tone upbeat. "It's a bit confusing at first, but don't worry, you'll get the hang of it. I'll show you around and introduce you to everyone."

He started to walk with you, his pace slow to match your unsteady steps. As you moved through the Glade, Chuck pointed out the different areas—the fields, the Homestead, the kitchens—explaining things as you went. His enthusiasm was infectious, and despite your nerves, you found yourself relaxing a little.

"You'll meet the Keepers soon," Chuck explained, gesturing to a group of older boys who seemed to be in charge. "They'll figure out what job you'll be best at. But don't stress about it too much; everyone finds their place here eventually."

You nodded, though the idea of finding your place in this strange new world was daunting. Chuck seemed to sense your unease and gave you a reassuring smile.

"Hey, I know it's a lot to take in," he said, his voice softening. "But you're not alone. We've all been through it. I'll be here to help you, okay? We're in this together."

As the day went on, Chuck stayed by your side, making sure you didn't get too overwhelmed. He introduced you to the other boys, who greeted you with a mix of curiosity and camaraderie. Some of them gave you knowing nods, as if to say they understood what you were going through.

By the time the sun started to set, you were exhausted, but also a little more settled. Chuck led you to the Homestead, where you'd be sleeping. The other boys were already getting ready for bed, their chatter filling the space with a comforting hum.

"Here's your spot," Chuck said, pointing to a simple bed. "It's not much, but it's yours. If you need anything, my bed's just over there."

You sat down on the bed, the reality of the day finally sinking in. You were in a completely new place, with no memory of how you got here or what came before. The weight of it all started to press down on you, and you felt a lump form in your throat.

Before you could dwell on it too much, Chuck plopped down on the bed next to you. "Hey, don't look so down. It's gonna be okay. You'll see."

His words were simple, but there was a sincerity in his voice that made you want to believe him. He patted your shoulder, his smile never fading.

"Tomorrow's a new day. We'll figure things out together," Chuck said, getting up and giving you one last grin before heading to his own bed.

As you lay down, staring up at the ceiling of the Homestead, you felt a little less alone. Chuck's kindness had made the day a little easier to bear, and as you closed your eyes, you found a small sense of comfort in the thought that you had made your first friend in the Glade.