The morning sun filtered through the tall trees that bordered the Glade, casting soft, golden light across the gardens. The air was warm, with just a hint of a breeze, making it one of the rare perfect days in this place. And for once, I wasn’t running. I had a day to just be—and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend it than with Newt.
I stood in the middle of the gardens, brushing dirt off my hands after helping Clint with a few of the plants. The Gladers had managed to turn this patch of earth into something beautiful, something that felt almost like home. Rows of green stretched out in neat lines, flowers peeking out from the corners. It was peaceful, something I didn’t get to feel often, especially being a Runner.
Newt was sitting on a bench a few feet away, watching me with a soft smile on his face. The sight of him there, relaxed and waiting for me, sent warmth flooding through my chest. I wiped the sweat from my forehead and walked over, brushing my hands on my pants to get rid of the last bits of dirt.
“You know, I didn’t expect gardening to be your thing,” he said as I sat down beside him.
I laughed, leaning back and stretching out my legs in front of me. “It’s not, really. But it feels good to just do something different for a change. No running, no worrying about what’s outside the walls… just this.”
He nodded, his eyes still on me. “I like seeing you like this,” he said softly. “You look… happy.”
I glanced at him, feeling a rush of affection. He always knew what to say to make me feel better, even when I didn’t realize I needed it. “I am happy,” I said, reaching over to take his hand. His fingers curled around mine, warm and steady, and for a moment, we just sat there, letting the quiet settle around us.
“I’ve been thinking,” I said after a while, breaking the silence. “It’s weird, but when I’m out there in the Maze, running, I don’t have time to think about anything but survival. It’s just go, go, go. But here, in the gardens, I can actually breathe. It’s… nice.”
Newt squeezed my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “You deserve to have more days like this,” he said quietly. “You work harder than anyone else, and you never give yourself a break.”
I shrugged, leaning my head against his shoulder. “I’m used to it. Running keeps me sharp. But yeah… this is nice.”
We sat like that for a while, not saying much, just enjoying the quiet and each other’s company. The sound of birds chirping nearby and the rustling of the plants in the breeze filled the space around us, and I felt a sense of peace settle over me.
After some time, Newt stood up, tugging me along with him. “Come on,” he said, smiling as he pulled me toward one of the flower beds. “Let’s do something fun for a change.”
I raised an eyebrow, letting him lead me. “And what exactly is your idea of fun in the Glade?”
He crouched down by the flowers, picking a handful of wild ones—bright yellows, soft purples, and deep reds. “We’re making flower crowns,” he announced, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
I couldn’t help but laugh at that. “You’ve been spending too much time with Frypan if you think I’m making flower crowns.”
“Who said anything about you making one?” he shot back, grinning. “I’m making you one. You just get to sit there and look pretty.”
I snorted but sat down on the grass anyway, watching as he began weaving the flowers together with surprising skill. “Where’d you learn to do that?” I asked, genuinely curious.
Newt shrugged, his eyes focused on the flowers in his hands. “My sister used to make them when we were kids. I’d help her, and I guess I just… remembered how.”
The mention of his sister made my heart ache a little. Newt didn’t talk about his past often, and when he did, it was always in passing like this—small glimpses into the life he had before the Maze. I didn’t push him, though. He’d share more when he was ready.
After a few minutes, he held up the finished flower crown, smiling proudly. “See? Told you I could do it.”
I laughed and let him place it gently on my head. “How do I look?” I asked, giving him an exaggerated pose.
He stepped back, his smile softening into something more serious. “Perfect,” he said quietly, his eyes locking onto mine. “Absolutely perfect.”
I felt a warmth spread through me, a mixture of happiness and something deeper, something that had grown between us in the time we’d been together. I reached up, taking his hand again and pulling him down beside me. He sat, his knee brushing against mine, and for a moment, we just looked at each other, the world around us fading away.
“You know,” I said softly, “I don’t need flower crowns or quiet days to feel happy. I just need you.”
He smiled at that, leaning in to kiss my forehead. “Good,” he murmured. “Because I’m not going anywhere.”
We spent the rest of the day like that, just being together in the gardens, laughing, talking, and enjoying the rare moments of peace. It was the kind of day I hadn’t had in what felt like forever, and for once, I let myself believe that maybe, just maybe, everything was going to be okay.
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Only 5 chapters left in this book! Book 2 is already planned though, don't worry, loves!!
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Maze girl
FanfictionBrought up in a box as the only girl amongst boys, surrounded by a deadly maze. Every day could be your last as you fight for your life along with the boys. Your only job is to survive and get out of there. But there is one person who makes your lif...
