[1] Let Me Go ➝ The Maze Runner ✓ (WATTYS 2015 WINNER!)

*I want to be a Runner*

*I want to be a Runner*

"You ready to try your first job?" Alby asked, scowling at me.

"I don't get to pick?"

"No," he hissed, harshly. "We do. Now, let's get to the homestead. You'll be working as a med-jack today."

I suppressed a groan and trudged after Alby. I'd already met Jeff; he seemed a nice enough guy. But working as a nurse? Great. The most exciting job in the world, right?

"Hey, Rowan!" Jeff greeted as I walked into Minho's room. He'd been screaming in pain all night, and I was still struggling to remove the heart-wrenching sounds from my mind, where they continued to torment me.

"Hi. How's Minho doing?"

He sighed and shrugged. "He'll get through it," he murmured, dabbing a wet cloth along his sweat-beaded forehead. His skin was a sickly yellow, his veins were bulging grotesquely, his eyes were clamped shut, his chest heaving with sucking breaths; he didn't look like he was going to survive this, but nobody does, right?

"Hey, would you mind taking over while I sort out the other patients?" Jeff asked. I nodded and took his place, soaking the cloth in more cold water and pressing it lightly against his feverish skin. I suddenly remembered when I awoke to Newt doing to same to me. His eyes glazed with concern. A slight frown. Then that smile; that adorable smile that sent my heart beating a thousand times faster.

Newt.

Goddamn it. Why'd you have to find yourself falling for the second in command, huh? I brushed the thoughts away and took Minho's clammy hand in my own. It pained me to see someone have to go through this much agony.

His fingers clenched in mine, and I took it as a sign to keep holding on.

"It's going to be okay, Minho. Keep holding on," I whispered, leaning back in the wooden chair.

I couldn't do this. I couldn't spend the remainder of my time stuck in the Glade watching people get hurt and go through so much pain. Even if I was there to help. I couldn't do it.

No.

I want to help them find an exit. Help them get out of this place.

I want to be a Runner.