Sacrifice

Chapter Seventy-One

After all the work for the day was done, most people took the time to relax before dinner. 

Claire clung to the files as she made her way through the crowd of people. She found some of her friends sitting in a circle and talking, including the person she was looking for. 

As she was going through all the files earlier Claire came across a note that Teresa had left. It told her about a girl named Lizzy, explained who she was and what had happened to her. Lizzy's name had been changed, just like all the other kids who had been through the Maze. According to the file, Lizzy's number was B-4, a number Claire knew well. 

"Sonya." 

"Yeah," the blonde girl said, looking up and smiling. 

That smile...how had Claire not noticed? 

It was just like Newt's. 

"I need to tell you something." 

*************** 

As the sun started to go down a bonfire had been set up. After all the food had been passed out, they all sat down on the benches. Claire was seated near the front with Minho and Sonya on either side of her. The others gathered around while Frypan made sure they all had drinks. Just as everyone settled down, Vince addressed the crowd. 

"We have come a long way together, so many have sacrificed so much to make this place possible. Your friends, and your family." Vince raised his cup. "So here's to the ones who couldn't be here, here's to the friends we lost." 

Sonya placed her hand on Claire's as they raised their cups. 

"This place is for you, it's for all of us," Vince continued, then pointed at the stone pillar behind him. "But this, this is for them. So in your own time, in your own way, come make your peace. And welcome to the Safe Haven!" 

The crowd roared, some raised their drinks again, others applauded. 

Soon everyone was mingling, more food was passed around, laughs were shared. Claire had caught Sonya giving Aris a quick kiss when they thought no one was looking. Claire made a mental note to tease her friend about that later. 

When the last bit of daylight faded away, and the only source of light left was the torches placed through out the camp, Claire found herself sitting off to the side with Thomas and Minho. The night was getting colder, Frypan had given her a light brown jacket with a fluffy collar to wear, a jacket Newt had worn during his journey to the Last City to rescue her. 

"This is gonna be a good home for us," Minho said, looking around. 

Thomas nodded in agreement. 

"He would have loved this," Claire added, clutching Newt's necklace. 

Minho wrapped an arm around her. She was glad he was here. After everything Minho had done for her and all their friends, he deserved some peace. Here, they could recover from their trauma. 

Inside the necklace Claire had found two letters, one was addressed to her. She took out the other one and handed it to Thomas. 

"Are you ready?" Minho asked her, gesturing to the pillar. 

"I think so." 

"Thomas, you coming?" Minho asked. 

"I think I'll stay here, you guys go ahead." 

"See you out there," Claire said. 

Despite the fact that her foot was healing and walking was becoming easier again, Minho still wanted to help her, and Claire let him. When they reached the pillar, several names had already been carved on, including Mary's. Claire had no doubt Vince had written that. Gally and Frypan joined them, there were a lot of names to write. 

Minho wrote the first name: Alby. 

The first Glader, the one who had taken care of everyone. 

Frypan carved the next one: Winston. 

The brave friend who had protected them in the Scorch. 

Then it was Gally's turn: Chuck. 

The youngest Glader, the one who should have lived. 

Then Claire carved the next one: Jack. 

One of her first friends, who deserved to be here. 

More names were added: Zart, Jeff, Clint, Tim, Ben, Nick, Gwen. 

Brenda came along and carved her brother's name, George would have loved this place. Harriet, Sony and Aris joined them just as Claire finished carving Tony's name. 

Aris wrote the first name he thought of: Rachel. 

His best friend. 

Sonya took his hand while Harriet wrote the names off all the girls they had lost: Beth, Miyoko, Ximena, Alejandra. 

Once Harriet was done she handed the knife to Claire, there was still one more name she had to write. Claire took a deep breath as she gathered the strength to do so. 

Newt. 

Her best friend, and so much more. He was her rock, a shoulder she could always lean on. The one who had always been there for her and helped make her stronger. 

The person she loved more than anything. 

Claire struggled to imagine a life without him, but she had to find a way. Newt's last wish was for her to go on living, and she would do just that. He had sacrificed everything so she could have a chance to live a long, happy life and she wasn't going to waste it. 

Claire vowed that she would find happiness again, and she would carry Newt's memory with her wherever she went.