It's been ten years. I've been out ten years.
The others say it was a gruesome, scarring experience. They have even tried to sue that awful organization who had done it to us. Some;however, had forgotten all the horror and memories.
Me? I remember it all. I remember that shuck maze all too clearly. And after ten years of freedom, I can openly say that it changed me. The maze helped me. I'm not sure how, but it did.
Minho comes to visit almost every two days, talking up a storm to Brenda and I as he roughly plays with our bunch of kids.
Today, Gally decides to join us. He still looks just the same as he did in the maze. Although, he's changed. Got a more balanced sense of life. No more fighting or random mind controlling from WICKED. that's good.
"Can't believe it's been ten years." He says and rubs his hands together in a casual way, clapping all but once. Minho nods.
"Good that...Captain Gally.." I tease and he playfully punches me. It reminds me of our fight at the bonfire ten years ago. The dust, the shadows cast by the huge pile of sparks, then boys all huddling around us, chanting. How do I remember it so clearly?
"Oh, shut it, shank." Gally teases, glader slang still flowing. I laugh.
"Man, that flat trans to this new life sure did give us a chance." Brenda said, the same hardcore, kick-butt demeanor. Minho has two of our toddlers crawling all over him. He yelps,
"Watch Uncle Minho's hair!" He says with sass as the smaller one grabs a chunk and pulls. Gally looks around at our apartment and nods, approving.
"Nice place for a shuck-face like you." He teases again, then Minho sheepishly adds,
"Newt would've liked it." He swallows and tears prick my eyes. Newt. Gally wanders over to the coffee table and picks up a small object.
Chuck's clay figure.
Gally swallows. The image of Gally holding a gun up to me and chuck flashes in my mind. Minho's eyes are rimmed with a pinkish border.
"Well, we have a new life because of all of them. Good to that." I squeeze Brenda's hand and think of them. Chuck. Newt. Teresa.
Minho looks down at his hands, gently whispering,"Thank God for the Glue."