final moments → THE MAZE RUNNER ✓

t h r e e

CHAPTER THREE
( THREATS )

     AFTER I ARRIVED BACK, A loud screeching noise erupted from the Glade. I thought for sure that I was a goner. It turns out that the huge stone walls outside can open and close. And that truly creeped me out. Especially since it defied the laws of physics- rock scraping against rock without difficulty.

That night, I didn't get very much sleep at all. The sounds of Gladers outside kept me awake, with an occasional five-minute nap. But that's about it.

When morning came, I buried my face even further into the pillows, hoping the sun wouldn't torture me.

Unfortunately, Newt had to walk into the room, and tell me it was time for my tour.

I groan into the blankets on my bed, and act like I'm invisible. "C'mon, Greenie." Newt says. "You want your bloody answers, right?"

"Yes. But why so early in the morning?" I whine. "I could've slept in a little later."

"I suppose you could've." He shrugs. "But that's not the way it works."

"Whatever." I sit up, pushing my messy hair out of my face. Minho lays in his bed, snoring peacefully. "Hey! Why does Minho get to sleep in?"

"Cause he's not new." Newt smiles. "And you are."

"Fine. I'll get up." I cave. "But what am I going to wear?"

Newt hesitates for a moment, before walking over to a dresser next to Minho's bed. How did I not see the dresser? He grabs a blue v-neck shirt, boxers, and a pair of running shorts from the dresser, then tosses them to me.

"You can change in the bathroom."

"Where's the bathroom?" I ask.

"Outside." He replies.

"Lead the way." I say, gesturing to the door. He walks out of the room, and I follow behind him, after grabbing my socks and tennis shoes. I run to catch up with him, and walk alongside him after we exit the Homestead.

I notice that Newt and I are the only people up right now, which makes me boil with aggravation. I should be curled up in bed right now.

"Here we are." He nods towards a building in front of us. I step inside, and look around for a lock on the door.

"Newt?!" I ask from inside.

"Yeah?"

"Where's the lock on this door?" I question.

"There isn't a lock." He replies swiftly.

"But how am I-"

"I'll stand in front of the door." He cuts me off. "Take a shower and change. I'll make sure no one goes in."