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unexpected𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍 ...
IT WAS ANOTHER bright and early morning. The rising sun slipped through the thin material of her curtain, setting the room in a subdued irradiance. It may have been either the cool breeze or the beams of light that awakened the Ria, but either-way, her eyelids fluttered open and she blinked a few times.
Surprisingly, Ria hadn't dreamt that night. She'd spent the best part of it running over Jem's words from a couple of nights before, that cold "you don't remember". The sorrowful yet spiteful look in his stormy eyes was immovable from her memory, a burning image of the hatred he harboured for her. As much as she tried to decipher his ominous sentence, it was impossible and a cold layer of unknown guilt churned in her stomach the more her mind spiralled into panicked frenzy. The best thing it seemed was to avoid him, to never meet his accusing glare ever again.
Whilst yawning, Ria ran a hand through her tousled hair and wondered what the time was. She couldn't hear the voices of any Gladers outside, only the distant hum of insects and the faint bleats of the animals stirring from their comfortable slumber. She decided that she liked waking early, having the strange feeling like she was only person alive in the whole world. After contently deciding on dozing again until the wake—up, a knock came to the door just as she pulled the warm blanket around her body.
"Come in," Ria muttered, reluctantly heaving herself up into a sitting position. She hugged her knees to her chest and the door opened, revealing a perky—looking Newt. His dirty blonde hair lay perfectly ruffled on his head and a smile tugged at his lips.
"Mornin' Greenbean,"
"Morning, Newt. Lovely to see you so early," Ria responded, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. It was a strangely pleasant surprise to see him, shirt hanging loosely off his shoulders with that heartening grin.
Newt chuckled, rolling his eyes at her lightly flippant tone. "Feelin's mutual. Thought I'd show you something before the other's wake up ... wait, hold on, how was building yesterday?" he asked, making his way over to her. He sat down on the edge of the bed whilst Ria propped herself up, facing him. She had spent yesterday with Gally, labouring with his team of Builders. Much to her surprise, it hadn't come particularly easily to Ria. Gally, who had tried to stay as patient as possible, had eventually told her to take a breather. For the rest of the day.
Ria let out a long sigh. "Let's just say, I can't build. Not even a stupid bench."
Newt nodded, the corners of his mouth twitching as if he was suppressing a laugh. From the angle Ria was sitting at, his deep brown eyes seemed to shine. "Well, building's not for everyone, love." he assured.
