A Life Before

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Aurora's arrival in the Glade sent shockwaves through the lives of the Gladers, but her existence was rooted in a world far removed from their brutal reality. Outside the Maze, she had a life filled with laughter, warmth, and love. But that world was shadowed by the looming presence of WCKD. Aurora was a child of science, a girl whose childhood had been stolen by the machinations of those who sought to wield power over life and death.

Teresa had always looked out for Aurora, even as a child. They were sisters by blood and bond, raised in the same sterile environment that housed many experiments designed to push the boundaries of human endurance. The girls shared a room in a facility that, despite its sterile walls and blaring alarms, felt like home. Aurora was the light, her laughter ringing out like music, while Teresa was the steadfast protector, always standing between her sister and the harshness of their world. They would often share whispers of escape, dream of a life free from surveillance, and invent games to ward off the creeping dread that hung over them like a storm cloud.

But their dreams were mere fantasies, always interrupted by the cold reality of WCKD's experiments. Each day was a blend of monotony and fear, and when the scientists convened, it was often Teresa who would shield Aurora from the unseen horrors that surrounded them. Little did they know that their childhood would soon be torn apart, leaving only fragmented memories in the wake of WCKD's ambition.

Meanwhile, in the sterile confines of the WCKD facility, Janson stood in the remnants of Aurora's old room. The stark, white walls felt suffocating as he moved through the space, sorting through the remnants of her life: a worn-out stuffed bear, a tattered blanket, and crayon drawings of fantastical worlds that once sparked joy. Each item felt like a weight on his chest, yet he pushed through the emotional turbulence with practiced indifference, packing her belongings into a box destined for the Glade.

Janson had always been good at masking his emotions, but standing there, the walls echoing the ghosts of Aurora's laughter, he felt a crack in his façade. It was a strange sensation—this inexplicable fondness he held for the girl. It was a soft spot he rarely allowed himself to acknowledge, especially given the ruthlessness that defined his role in WCKD.

"Janson," Dr. Paige's voice cut through the silence like a blade. He turned to see her standing in the doorway, her brow furrowed in concern. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm sending her things to the Glade," he replied, his tone flat but his heart betraying a flicker of uncertainty.

Dr. Paige stepped into the room, her expression softening as she surveyed the items strewn across the floor. "You can't let your attachment to her cloud your judgment. You know that, right?"

"She's just a kid, Paige," Janson shot back, irritation rising within him. "She doesn't belong in that place. None of them do."

"You can't show weakness, Janson," she continued, her voice firm. "At WCKD if we see even a hint of compassion, it can be used it against you. You know how we operate."

Janson's gaze dropped to the floor, the box trembling in his hands. "I can't just forget about her. She's innocent in all of this."

Dr. Paige stepped closer, her eyes piercing. "That's exactly why you must keep your distance. Emotion is a liability. Do you understand? If you let people see how you feel about her, it could jeopardize everything we've worked for."

He felt her words seep into his mind, a cold reminder of the stakes they were playing with. "Fine," he muttered, his voice devoid of conviction. "I'll keep it together."

She studied him for a moment longer, and he could see the concern etched into her features. "Good. We need to stay focused. If we lose sight of our goals, everything will unravel."

With that, she turned on her heel, leaving Janson alone with the bittersweet remnants of Aurora's life. He let out a heavy sigh, the box feeling heavier than ever. In that moment, he couldn't help but think of the little girl's innocent laughter, a stark contrast to the dark and dangerous world he inhabited. Would he truly be able to turn his back on her? The answer lingered just out of reach, twisting in the depths of his heart.

As the days wore on in the Glade, the boys began to understand the urgency of their situation. Aurora's presence had ignited a fierce protectiveness within Newt, Gally, and even Minho. They had come together, forging a bond that transcended their differences as they strategized how best to keep her safe. But they were also acutely aware of the shadows lurking beyond the Maze's walls. WCKD's interest in Aurora felt ominous, a storm brewing just out of sight.

Newt sat beside Aurora in the Glade, watching her play with a makeshift doll Gally had fashioned from scrap materials. The innocence she embodied felt almost alien in a place riddled with danger. Yet as her laughter rang out, it pushed back the dark clouds that constantly threatened to engulf them.

Gally stood nearby, arms crossed, his face a mask of determination. "We'll figure this out, Newt. We can't let them take her," he said, his voice low but firm.

"I know," Newt replied, glancing at Aurora. "But we can't ignore the fact that WCKD put her here. We need to prepare for whatever they might throw at us."

Just then, Minho joined them, his expression serious. "We need to scout the area more thoroughly. If there are any signs of WCKD's involvement, we have to know about it before they catch us off guard."

Aurora looked up from her doll, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What's WCKD?" she asked, her voice tiny but brave.

The boys exchanged glances, the weight of their reality crashing down around them. How could they explain to her the shadows that threatened her very existence?

"Nothing, love," Newt said, forcing a smile. "Just some bad people we need to stay away from, alright?"

She nodded, but the understanding in her eyes was far beyond her years. It was a small reminder of the burden she carried, even at such a tender age. They were all in this together now, bound by the need to protect the girl who had unwittingly stepped into their lives and changed everything.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Glade, they realized that this fight was not just for survival; it was for the future they had long believed was out of reach. Aurora had become their light in the darkness, and together, they would forge a path forward, no matter what lay ahead.

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