The Maze Runner

Chapter Six

  I've always hated watching banishings. I can't imagine being Newt or Minho, participating in them. My conscience wouldn't be able to handle it. I help people, not destroy them. At least I try to, anyways. I wish I didn't have to watch, but unfortunately it's tradition. A tradition I've tried to break many, many times.

I exit the med-tent at the same time I do every night, but to a different sight. Across the glade I spot the boys in a half circle around the maze walls, with the keepers at the front. Which means both Newt and Minho are going to be standing there with their poles that they use to force boys back.

"Please, listen to me! Minho!" I hear Ben plead as I see Minho come around the corner, Ben's tied wrists in his hand and I watch as Minho's muscular arm forces Ben to his knees in the center of the half circle surrounding the maze doors.

"Alby!" He cries, trying to get someone, anyone, to listen to him. It happens every time, though. And every time with no luck. I watch Alby's expression carefully. His eyebrows are furrowed, the corners of his mouth turned down. He's obviously distressed over this, I don't know how he's able to go through with it. I guess you've got to do what you've got to do.

Minho takes his knife and swiftly slits Ben's throat while he's dropped on his knees. I turn my head to see Thomas run up behind Chuck.

I know Chuck hates watching these too. I usually stand with him, but he's been so preoccupied with Thomas I didn't think of it. I notice blood seeping through the bandage on Thomas's wrist. I slowly wander over to him and Chuck.

Ben cries over the ground, sobbing, trying to get anyone to have some compassion.

"Beth... Beth please!" He cries to me. He knows I'm the most compassionate one in the Glade, but I can't help him this time. A tear falls onto my cheek and I cover my mouth with both my hands, squeezing my eyes shut as tears fall from them. When I open my eyes, I see Newt looking at me, deeply saddened. He hates seeing me like this. But unfortunately in this case he has no choice.

"No, no... please don't, please!" Ben continues begging as Minho tosses bait for the grievers into the maze after waiting for Alby to nod, telling him to do it.

Thomas looks over at Chuck, whose eyes are glued to the maze doors. I see Minho's troubled expression as he makes his way away from the maze doors to pick up his stick and join the rest of the keepers in their semi-circle. The wind starts to blow, and Alby shouts for the boys to bring their poles down. Ben quickly turns, facing towards the boys and away from the doors. I bite my lip as I can feel more tears threatening to spill over my eyelids. Chuck turns and walks back towards the hammocks. I turn my head and watch him walk away, before turning my attention to Thomas, who's staring intently at Ben and the keepers. He looks over to me once he senses me staring, but I'm just trying to avoid watching Ben.

Ben was a good friend of mine. He hurt himself a lot running in the maze, so we spent quite a lot of time together. I wasn't ready to see him be put to death. But Thomas and I eventually both look back out to the doors.

"Move in!" Alby calls, and they start closing in on Ben, pushing him through the doors. I catch one last glimpse of Ben's terrified face before the doors close and he's gone forever. Alby steps up.

"He belongs to the maze now."