Runner of Group D (Maze Runner fanfic)

Chapter 6

Sandra gasped for air. All she could see was blinding light, nothing else. No people. No Grievers. No walls. Her grip tightened around something despite the pain in her fingers. She couldn't feel it, but she knew it was there.

"Sandra!" She continued gasping for breath, unable to tell where the voice was coming from. Something pressed against her shoulders, bringing a new wave of pain. She screamed, shutting her eyes.

"Sandra. Sandra, it's Florence. You're ok. You're safe." Sandra leaned against something, probably a soft pillow due to the lack of resistance. She steadied her breath before opening her eyes.

The bright light slowly faded, letting her see shapes. Walls, window, door, a room. Arms, torso, face, white hair, Florence. Blanket, pillow, sheets, a bed. She was in a bed in the Homestead, Florence holding her down. Sandra relaxed.

"How?" she breathed, blinking a few times. Soon the light was only bright near the window and everything was pretty clear. Florence let go of her shoulders and sat on the edge of her bed.

"The Runners went in as soon as the Doors opened. They found Psych underneath your net, and heard your scream. Marge ran in with a mace and made that Griever regret sticking around." She took a pause before continuing. "That was about two days ago. We were afraid you would be in a coma for an extended amount of time." Now that her senses were slowly returning, Sandra could hear the mourning in Florence's voice.

"Carol and Psych," she said. Florence was staring at the blanket, which she was massaging with her fingertips.

"They're fine. Carol got back before she could lose much blood. We were able to wrap her arm for the moment. She's refusing to have us sew it up. Psych's leg was broken, so we straightened it out and got it in a cast. She's been working with one of the Medics. The experience in the Maze traumatized her a bit." Sandra nodded.

"The gunk?"

"We're not sure how, but the Griever sludge we found on you was acidic. That's why it burned most of your skin off." She slowly moved Sandra's arm so she could see it. Her arm, hand, and fingers were wrapped in strips of gauze. In between the layers, Sandra could see a mint green goop.

"The Lift had come up with some ointment that morning we found you," Florence continued, noticing the quizzical look on Sandra's face. "A note said it was for the burns. We've been reapplying and rewrapping ever since. Your skin is healing pretty well." Florence put her arm down and glanced out the window. Her eyes were glassy.

"What's wrong?" Sandra finally asked. Florence didn't look at her, just stared outside.

"Cathie," was all she said. She didn't need to say more. Just the mentioning of the girl's name brought back the memory. Her racing to the doors, trying to be a hero. Timing it too late and getting crushed by the stone. A final scream just to haunt people's minds.

"I tried," was all Sandra could say. Now Florence turned to her.

"It's not your fault. No one's at fault." Sandra smiled despite the tinge of pain.

"No one to blame except herself for thinking she could make it through." Florence just barely grinned.

"Didn't have enough stubborn stupidity." Sandra cocked her head, but not without a jolt of pain.

"Stubborn what?" Now Florence was really smiling.

"Stubborn stupidity. It's what makes you so stubborn you do stupid things, even though you know it is. You've got a ton of it. It's why you went through with the digging project and raced into the Maze that first night." Sandra scowled.