The Cost of the Cure

Chapter 107

You're still helping the other Gladers patch up the Homestead when Newt comes running up to you and taps you on the shoulder.

You turn around, giving him your full attention. Normally, you would have worked while he was talking to you, but deep down you know it's hopeless to try to repair the Homestead. It can't stand much more, and even if it could, the Grievers will get in anyways. All it is is an allusion of safety.

"We're leaving tonight."

You drop the hammer you had been holding. "What!"

He nods. "We're going through the Griever Hole. Tommy and Teresa are going in first to punch in the code we decrypted from the Maze. It sounds sick, but hopefully the Grievers are going to stay to their rule of one, otherwise..." He shakes his head. "Tommy said they should, but the more I think of it, the more unlikely it seems. But... I need you to come. And I need you to get the others to as well. Are you in?"

"I'm-- I'm in," you stammer. The thought of seeing another Griever, much less fighting several, fills you with terror, but it's the only way. Even if you do die, it would be no different than what would happen if you stay.

"Good that," he says. "Just... try to convince the others. I don't think we can convince everyone, but I know most will agree to go."

"I know, I just--" You shake your head and look down. "I know it's normal and obvious and all, but I'm scared to leave. It makes sense logically, but I hate the thought of facing them. I should be braver now that I've fought them, but I'm not. I'm just as terrified as before, if not worse. I'll do it, but I can hardly make myself go."

He places a hand on your should, pauses, and then pulls you into a hug.

"I'm scared, too," he whispers. "We all are. But we just have to believe we'll find our way out. I don't think that bloody rule is going to last once we try something, but if it's like Tommy said, that we're needed for something, then they won't kill us all. Some of us will survive."

You nod, trying to blink back your tears.

He steps away, but even as he forces a hard, determined look on his face, you can still see the frightened boy beneath it. No matter how old any of you act, it hits you that you're all just kids. You can't remember a single thing about your past life, but the realization of it slaps you across the face. It's sick you're forced to live and even die like this. It shouldn't be this way.

"I--" His voice wavers and he rubs the back of his neck. "Just try to convince the others. Once you've done what you can, meet me in the Weapons Room. We have to try to at least make enough weapons for us all to have a fighting chance."

You nod, not saying a single word. You make for the nearest Glader to convince him of the plan.