𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿

65.. second day training

The air was crisp and clear as Matt led the Gladers training session in the outdoor clearing.

Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the lush grass beneath their feet.

The leaves rocked and swayed as the group of Gladers ran and pushed their legs through the forest. The forest was huge so it was their playground for the morning. Their legs kicking and jumping, running from trees to trees.

Matt stood off to the side, monitoring their progress. He had a watchful eye on everyone, making sure they were pushing themselves but not overexerting themselves.

His gaze lingered on Bea from time to time, noticing the way she moved through the forest. She was fast, her slim frame easily maneuvering through the trees.

"Hey, Thomas! Keep pushing, don't let up!"

Matt called out to Thomas, who was running ahead of the group.

Thomas was one of the fastest runners, his legs moving effortlessly through the trees. But Matt knew he could push himself harder, go faster.

Thomas nodded in acknowledgement, his breathing steady as he pumped his legs harder. He pushed forward, trying to outpace the others.

Matt glanced around at the other Gladers. Some were keeping pace with Thomas, but others were already starting to fall behind.

Nico and Aris ran side by side, pushing each other to go faster. They exchanged grins every now and then as they raced through the trees.

Nico looked over at Aris. "You know, I'm surprised you're keeping up with me. You're not half bad for a skinny shank."

Aris chuckled, his breath coming out in small puffs. "Hey, I may be skinny, but I can run circles around you, Nico." He picked up his speed, his long legs eating up the distance. "Keep up, if you can."

Nico grumbled and pushed harder. "You're on, shank."

The two boys fell into a silent competition, each trying to outdo the other as they zigzagged through the trees.

As the run continued, Matt moved through the various groups, checking in on each Gladers progress.

He noticed some of them struggling, their faces flushed and sweaty, their pace decreasing.

He encouraged them to push a little farther, to not give up just yet. "Come on, you guys got this. A few more minutes, then you can rest."

Bea moved easily through the forest, her slender frame dodging around obstacles. Her legs carrying her effortlessly over roots and boulders.

As Matt continued moving along, he caught a glimpse of someone trip over something and fall flat on their face.

It was Aris, his long limbs sprawled out in the dirt. Matt quickly made his way over to him.

"Aris, you okay?" Matt asked, extending a hand to help him up.

The other runners paused as they saw Aris fall, concern etched on their faces. They hovered around him, waiting for Matt to give an update.

Nico jogged over, looking at Aris. "Clumsy shank," he muttered.

Aris took Matt's hand and sat up, rubbing his dirty cheek. "Ugh, thanks, Nico. I thought I was catching up to you, then the forest decided to swallow me whole."

Brenda, Teresa and Sonya stopped by behind some boulders, watching him. Bea crouched above them, on the boulder.

Teresa smiled softly. "Seems like the forest has a way of humbling us, doesn't it?"