The Maze Runner: The New World

Chapter 8

The entire room turned to stare at Thomas. Every single person penetrated him with their eyeballs. No one made a sound, not even a breath was to be heard. He felt like an exhibit in a museum. He had no idea where the voice, or the thought had come from. It had just fallen out his mouth, much to the disgust of what seemed to be every soul in the room. The silence that followed on made Thomas feel like he was standing stark naked in front of millions of people.

             After one of the longest minutes of Thomas's life, Minho spoke up, "Are you shucking serious?! Something has got into your head! We have no idea what could be on the other side of that flat trans, or if there is even another side to it! The person to go through is almost certain to perish!" he exclaimed partially disgusted, partially angry, "Surely you know we can't waste any more people! Besides, how would we choose the person to go? And what would even be the point if they didn't come back - only another life wasted, which is something we cannot afford to do!"

Thomas had no idea what to say. What rational thing could he reply to that? There wasn't one and he was willing himself to wake up from this terrible dream. Except it wasn't a dream. It was real and he had to get through this klunk. "I'll go,"

           He couldn't believe what had just sprung from his mouth. He was essentially just told the whole room that he was willing to sacrifice himself for a cause that may not even exist. He had not intended to say that. It was like WICKED had stolen back control of his brain. But it wasn't WICKED. It felt different. He'd said it of his own accord and for some reason that scared him even more than the prospect of WICKED stealing back his brain. It didn't make sense - WICKED controlling his brain meant that the evil corporation still existed, the dreams were a lie and he had no choice in his actions, but him choosing to sacrifice himself meant part of him wanted to go through the flat trans. The fact that he had a choice scared Thomas more than having no choice. It was his weak spot he had no idea existed. Remembering Minho's reaction swelled his insides. He had no idea how to react. Should he withdraw the offer? Calling it an offer sickened him even further. Minho's disappointment and anger hung like a cloud over Thomas' thoughts. He looked up to Minho, the boy had saved Thomas's life countless times, it pained him to see him so hurt and angry by something Thomas had provoked. Something that he was in control of. That look on Minho's face, it didn't have to be filled with such horror, yet it was because of him. No. He couldn't go through the flat trans. How could he do something like that to Minho? His best friend! And Brenda! He could not abandon his best friend and girlfriend and everyone he loved that was still alive. But he still felt the ever strengthening pang to go through the shucking grey screen! It was like being back in the maze, pining to become a runner whatever the odds.

             "I love you," he whispered into Brenda's ear and squeezing her so hard he had to be aware not to suffocate her, "And never forget that."

"This is going to be the hardest thing I've ever done and ever will do, but I know it's right for you to go. I'll be thinking of you every second of the rest of my life, just like I have ever since I set eyes upon you in that building in the scorch. Take care, I love you too," She whispered back deep into Thomas's ear canal.

Thomas had to swallow the rising lump in his throat. Don't cry like a girl, Brenda wouldn't cry, she knows crying won't solve anything and she's 100% right. In that second, every single memory of his one true love flooded his memory. He blew the thoughts up with a bomb inside his head. Standing there, embracing Brenda, his mind searched for the best way to break free. He knew Minho would do anything to prevent him from walking into the shimmering wall, so there would be no farewells. No crying into each others arms. No last words. Thomas tried his best to remind himself that it might not be the last time, but at this current moment in time it sure as hell felt like it. He sneaked a look at his best friend. Now was his chance. Minho was staring into his hands in shock, nervousness and who knows what else. Giving Brenda a quick peck on the cheek, he tore from her arms and ran. It was now or never. "THOMAS NO! PLEASE! WAIT!" it was Minho, his voice exasperated, blotted in pain and terror. He was running after Thomas, "HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?! US! YOU'RE MY BEST FRIEND, THOMAS! I'VE LOST EVERYONE ELSE!"

He shut off Minho's pleads. If he listened to them, he knew for sure his reaction. To turn around and burst into tears. Only a few feet to go now. With one last step, he reached the flat trans, "I love y..." The grey shimmer swallowed the last words.