If There Is A Light

Chapter 44

"Come on, guys, can't we send someone after them?"

"That's against the rules." Gally was quick to explain to the Greenie, "Either they make it back or they don't."

Rules be damned. If Newt could run, he would. He couldn't even hardly walk straight anymore though, if he went in there and was able to find them he would just be one more thing slowing them down. He really wished he knew what it was that was keeping them at the moment, "We can't risk losing anyone else."

A gust of wind picked up right on time. Most of the Gladers held their arms up or turned their heads to shield their eyes from the debris that it slung at them. Newt found him squinting involuntarily at the wind, but could not bring himself to look away.

"Oh, no."

The walls began to close, just like they always did. "There!"

Newt followed Thomas's finger and he could see Minho and Alby in the distance. He couldn't make out which once was injured, but it was clear that one was, "Wait, something's wrong."

"Come on, Minho! You can do it!" Chuck screamed at the Minho who was now clearly dragging Alby.

"Come on, you can make it!" All of them yelled words of encouragement. Maybe if they got his blood pumping, then maybe they could get his legs to move a little bit faster. The logic was not sound, but there was not much else they could really do.

"You gotta leave him!" Gally shouted, but Newt could see in Minho's face that would not be the case.

Newt could no longer really hear what was going on. All of the screaming was just a jumbling incoherent rant that rattled his eardrums. He could see the walls closing in, so much so that they were starting to obstruct his vision of his closest friend. His focus on Minho and Alby was what made sure he did not catch the look on Thomas's face. It was too late by the time Newt realized what he was doing. He reached out to grab hold of his arm, but the weak and late grasp was easily shaken.

"Thomas, no!" Chuck's cry was ignored and just like that all three of them were gone. The walls were closed and there was nothing that could get them out. Nothing in their power or reach at least.