The First Runner

Back in the land of the living

After days of bed rest, I was finally given the green light to step outside and move about the Glade. My left arm was still in a sling, and the bandages on my torso and back were a constant reminder of my recent injuries. It felt strange but exhilarating to be free from the medjack hut and finally see the world beyond its walls.

Clint and Jeff had been adamant about taking things slow. As I stood up for the first time, Clint adjusted my sling and gave me a firm nod. "Remember, no running, fighting or doing anything stupid. We don't want you face-planting. If you need anything, just let us know."

Jeff handed me a small bottle of water and two pills which I swallowed down with a gulp of water. "We don't want to see you back here for at least two days until we have to change the bandages."

"Don't worry, I don't want to be coming back in here any more than you want to see me," I said with a chuckle, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. I headed for the door, where Newt was waiting, holding it open for me.

"Why, thank you, kind sir," I said in a dramatic, exaggerated accent.

"Not at all, m'lady," Newt replied, slipping into a similar, playful accent.

We stepped out into the bright sunlight, and I took a deep breath of fresh air, letting it fill my lungs. The world outside felt both familiar and new, as if I were seeing it with fresh eyes after being cooped up for so long. Newt stayed close, his presence reassuring as we made our way through the field of long grass, watching crickets jump out of the way.

The noise of the Glade was a comforting cacophony—shouts of laughter, the distant clang of metal, and the buzz of conversation. I moved slightly slower than I usually would, careful of my injuries, and Newt walked beside me, his hand occasionally brushing against my back for support.

We headed towards the kitchens, the warm smell of bacon growing stronger with each step. As we approached, Frypan was already busy at his station, his face breaking into a wide grin when he saw me.

"Well, look who decided to grace us with her presence!" Frypan called out, his tone pleasant. "I was starting to think you'd ditched us and made the medjack hut your permanent residence."

"Only if you started bringing me five-course meals every day," I joked, Newt helping me ease myself into a seat at the counter before taking a seat next to me.

"Glad to see you back in the land of the living," Frypan said, turning back to the bacon sizzling on the stove. "How about I make you a sandwich? Been missing your company around here."

"That sounds amazing," I replied, feeling hungry as I had slept through breakfast. Frypan quickly set to work, deftly preparing a sandwich with all the fixings.

As Frypan placed a freshly made sandwich in front of me, I heard footsteps approaching. Turning, I saw Alby and Nick walking over, their expressions brightening when they saw me.

"Well, if it isn't our walking wounded," Alby said with a grin, clapping me gently on the shoulder. "Good to see you up and about, Jess."

"Yeah, we were starting to think you'd never come out of that hut," Nick added teasingly. "Welcome back."

I laughed, taking a bite of the sandwich and savoring the taste. "Thanks, guys. It's good to be back. I see you've managed not to burn the Glade down while I was gone."

"Well, we didn't think you'd appreciate coming out to a pile of ash," Nick joked, taking a seat on top of one of the tables nearby.

"You're probably right about that," I said with a chuckle, taking another bite of the sandwich.