Newt’s POV:

I woke up without Minho. He must have gone back to his hammock in the night. I felt. . . I don’t know, empty. Like there was nothing left in me. I rolled out of my hammock and fell onto the ground. I didn't feel the pain. I walked out of the homestead, not hearing the other gladers hellos. I went and got food from Frypan, but I couldn't taste it. It was like I wasn't even there anymore. Like I was a ghost.

No way out.

No way out.

Minho’s POV:

I woke up and started getting ready. It was just another day. Joy. I walked down to the kitchen and found Newt just kind of sitting there staring off into space. His lips were moving as if he was mouthing words.

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“Newt?”

No reaction.

“Newt!”

He flinched and looked up at me

“Oh, hi Min.”

Like I had just gotten there.

“Ready to run today?”

Then I remembered. We were splitting up. Newt was taking section eight and I was taking section seven. Shuck, should I let him? I don't know if he’ll be alright.

“Yeah, let’s head out.”

Me and Newt ran together until we got to the cross of eight and seven. We made a deal where about three hours before the doors closed we would meet back up here. Newt turned to me.

“Well, I’ll see you later.”

I don't know what it was, but something about Newt was off. He didn't look fully there, ya know? I mean, he was physically in front of me, but something was off.

“Newt, are you sure you’ll be okay?”

Newt gave me a very forced smile.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll be okay. Like you said, everything will be okay.”

Uh huh, sure Newt. He just looked so. . . hopeless. I walked over to him and hugged him.

“Yes, Newt. It will all be okay.”

With that, I turned and ran. If I stayed any longer, I wouldn't be able to leave him. As I turned a corner, I saw Newt turn and run off in the opposite direction.