𝑳𝑰𝑴𝑬𝑹𝑬𝑵𝑪𝑬

𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐝-𝐣𝐚𝐜𝐤

SONG -NIKES BY FRANK OCEAN

The sun was blazing today, casting long shadows across the Glade as I trudged through the thick grass. My boots felt heavy, and my mood was even heavier. Sweat dripped down my forehead, and I wiped it away with the back of my hand, trying not to think about how hot it was or how irritating the constant buzz of activity was around me.

"Zuri!" Alby's voice called out from somewhere near the gardens. I turned, spotting him among the crops, his face smudged with dirt. He was grinning, as usual, probably eager to show off another one of his discoveries,a new type of root he’d found, or a particularly plump tomato. I waved half-heartedly, but I didn’t have the energy to return his enthusiasm.

I kept walking, passing by Newt and Minho as they argued about something to do with the Runners' schedules. Minho was always pushing to get out earlier, stay out longer. Newt, though, was the one with a level head, he’d make sure no one got too reckless. But today, I couldn’t care less about their banter. I just wanted some space, a bit of quiet.

George and Nick were near the Map Room, their heads bent together over some paper. Nick looked up and caught my eye, giving me a small nod. I nodded back, but didn’t stop talking. I wasn’t in the mood for chatter.

Then there was Gally, leaning against the wooden fence by the animal pens, his arms crossed and his face set in that permanent scowl of his. He watched me as I passed, but didn’t say anything. That was fine by me. Gally was a mystery, one I wasn’t keen on solving today.

I found a quiet spot near the Bloodhouse, where the tall grass was thick and the noise from the other Gladers was just a dull hum in the background. I dropped to the ground, leaning back against a tree and closing my eyes. For a moment, the tension in my shoulders eased. The Glade wasn’t exactly home, but it was familiar now. I knew the sounds, the smells, the rhythm of it. But some days, like today, it felt more like a cage than a refuge.

“Hey, Zuri.”

I groaned inwardly, recognising the voice before I even opened my eyes. Jeff. The new kid, the one who’d shown up just three days ago. The one who wouldn’t stop hovering around me, trying to make conversation like we were old friends. I didn’t have the patience for him right now.

“What do you want, Jeff?” I asked, not even bothering to hide the irritation in my voice.

I heard him shuffle his feet, hesitating. “I, uh… I was just wondering if you were okay. You seemed kinda down.”

I opened my eyes and glared up at him. He was standing there, awkwardly shifting from one foot to the other, his brown hair sticking up at odd angles. He had this nervous look on his face, like he was afraid I’d bite his head off. Maybe I should have felt bad for him, but instead, I just felt annoyed.

“I’m fine,” I snapped. “You’ve been here for what, three days? You don’t know me, Jeff. Just leave me alone.”

His face fell, and for a second, I almost regretted being so harsh. Almost. But then he nodded, his shoulders slumping a little. “Right. Sorry. I didn’t mean to bother you.”