The Scorch » Minho (On Hold)

{ 2 }

That night was very quiet. Aris had started a fire and we both got wood for it every hour or so. I sat close to the blazing flames, loving the heat. I knew the nights could be cold which was odd but you get used to it. I pulled my sweater closer to my body, trying to stay warm.

"I thought we were supposed to be immune." Minho said, suddenly.

"Not all of us...I guess." Teresa replied.

"It's a weird thing," I spoke up. "Some people have a stronger immunity than others but they're not immune. They may not catch it from the air but a scratch...or a bite...it could just as easily turn them. Even faster too."

"So if Winston can get infected, we can assume so can the rest of us." Newt said.

"Unless W.I.C.K.E.D tested your blood and told you otherwise. But I'm guessing they didn't." I snapped.

"How do you know we came from W.I.C.K.E.D?" Teresa asked me.

"It's written all over you. Beside, it's the only organization left after the world went to hell." I explained. "You couldn't have come from anywhere else."

"I never thought I'd say it..." The guy Frypan said, quietly. "but I miss the Glade."

Everyone was silent for the rest of the night after that. Sorrow was heavy in the air and I knew that they needed time. So for half the night, I spent my time leaning against the rocks as they sat together, mourning their lost friends.

I wasn't sure how long I stood there, staring into the abyss of the desert. Having only the fire as my source of light, there wasn't much else to see. I looked at the sand and how the firelight flickered beautifully against the brown grain. It was beautiful in a way. Kind of reminding me of the night my parents let us go.

€€€

"It's gonna be okay." Andy had said, pulling me into his arms.

"How is it gonna be okay? What are we gonna do? We're lost." I cried.

Andy sighed and took a moment to think about what he was going to reply with. And when he figured it out, it was perfect for ten year old me.

"Listen," he started. "We're in a deserted city. Sure...it's over-run by these zombie people...but...it's our very own playground. And they are trespassing. And what do we do to trespassers Hannah?"

"Swat them away?" I suggested.

"Exactly. So let's keep our playground or even maybe we could even call it our kingdom, safe. While keeping each other safe. It's us against the world." He smiled.

I wasn't sure I agreed with my brother at first. But when he pulled me into a tighter embrace and dried my tears, I knew we were going to be alright.

€€€

"Hey, you okay?" Someone asked, pulling me from my daydream.

I turned to see Minho and gave him a small smile. "I'm fine."

"You're crying." He gently swiped my cheek with his thumb and I pulled away, wiping my face.

"Sorry." I turned away, embarrassed that already, one of them saw me cry.

"Don't be. Everyone's been crying lately." Minho shrugged and looked out at the black abyss.

"I'm sorry...about Winston. He seemed like a good guy." I said, quietly.

"He was one of the best. But I guess it's just life now you know?" Minho said.

"No. This isn't life. Not the right one we're supposed to lead anyway." I replied.

"This is the only life I know of. Running. It's all I remember doing." Minho explained.

"I rather that than what I've been through. Running seems so great. Free...I mean, when you're not running from something."

Minho chuckled, making me smile. "Agreed."

I nodded and we stood in silence for a few minutes. It was really comfortable and I was happy there.

"Do you think there's really something out there? What if you and Thomas are leading us to our deaths?" Minho wondered aloud.

"Yee, of so little faith." I joked. Minho laughed and I smiled again. "Sorry. Um...right now, I don't think anything is out there. I know Thomas said you guys were told of a place. A mountain or something, but I'm not sure anyone has made it that far."

"Cranks?"

"No. Desert. Look at it out there. Do you see lights? Anything? It's pitch black, meaning there is nothing but sand and the unknown for miles on end. The chances of us finding anything before we die of heat stroke and no water...is slim." I said, honestly.

"So why do you stay with us?" Minho asked.

"What do you mean?"

"What's the point of staying if you don't think we're gonna make it?"

"I guess...if I'm gonna die...I rather be helping someone other than myself you know?" I said.

Minho nodded and looked back at the dying fire. "We should head to bed."

"You go. I'll keep watch and feed that fire so we don't die too prematurely of hypothermia." I offered.

Minho smiled and walked back to the group. Picking up some logs, I walked back and fed the fire, watching as it grew. Then I took a look at everyone sleeping peacefully. At least on the outside they looked peaceful.

I sat back and watch the fire dance. It was a long night of watching, but I couldn't see myself doing anything else at that moment.