𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿

43.. the walk to west

It was time.

Bea took a moment to herself, mentally preparing for the task at hand. She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her nerves.

She checked her gear once more, making sure she had everything she needed - her bow, her arrows, her small collection of knives, and her stealth outfit.

She quickly patted her pockets, realizing she had forgotten something. Her inhaler. No wonder her breathing had felt a little labored.

She quickly reached into her pocket, pulling out the small inhaler. With a shaky breath, she brought it to her lips, taking a deep puff of the medicine.

She placed the inhaler back in her pocket, feeling better already. She gave herself one last once-over, making sure everything was in its place. She was as ready as she could be. She'll save her home and family.

It was time to go.

The Gladers watched as Bea prepared. The tension in the room was palpable. They all knew the risks she was about to take.

"Be careful, alright?" Sonya murmured, giving her a firm pat on the shoulder.

Frypan nodded, his expression taut. "And remember, if you get in trouble, scream."

"Or if you do something awesome, scream too," Minho added, trying to lighten the mood with a smirk.

Despite the situation, there was a sprinkle of laughter among the group at Minho's remark. Even in the face of danger, he always found a way to inject humor into the conversation.

Thomas, standing off to the side, gave Bea a steady look. "We're all behind you, Bea. You got this."

A murmur of agreement echoed through the group. They all believed in her, trusted her.

"No need to scream, Fry. She has her ear comm." Luke chuckled.

Frypan rolled his eyes, the tension eased a bit. "Just don't want her getting too deep in the fight and forgetting about us."

"Oh, don't worry about that," Minho said, a smirk on his face. "She'd never forget about us. Especially me. I'm unforgettable."

"And humble," Thèrèse chimed in from her spot near the screen, her tone dry.

The atmosphere in the room gradually became more serious. It was time for Bea to head out. She took a final, deep breath, steeling herself for the mission ahead.

"Alright, I'm heading out," she said, her voice firm. "Wish me luck."

"And prayers. You'll need them." Luke nodded and Aris swatted the back of his head.

A few more encouraging and anxious goodbyes echoed around the room, each member expressing their support.

"Go kick some WICKED ass, Bea." Minho added with a smirk.

The sky was a blanket of stars, their tiny lights barely visible through the canopy of trees.

Bea moved stealthily, her boots making barely a sound as she navigated the forest. She kept her eyes peeled for any sign of the WCKD soldiers.

Armed with her bow and arrow, and a handful of knives, she crept stealthily toward the west, where the soldiers were patrolling. Her ear comm remained silent, her companions on standby unless there was a call sign from her.

As she continued deeper into the forest, the silence was suddenly punctuated by a crunch of a twig. Bea froze in place, her heart hammering against her ribs.

She waited, listening intently for any sign that her location had been revealed.

The silence stretched out, the only sound her own measured breaths. After a few tense moments, she slowly exhaled, realizing it was most likely a nocturnal animal.