Minho's POV
After about five minutes, I was about to leave. I really do get bored easily, which is kinda weird, because all I do is run. But running is different, I breathe, think, and I feel like I'm helping the Gladers, even though I found out long ago that the maze doesn't have a solution. I haven't told any of them, except Newt and Alby, because I can't let the little guys be as depressed and hopeless as I am.
But I couldn't leave. For some reason, I was curious about the new guy. Keeping on my bored, exasperated look, I checked my electric watch, and exhaled dramatically.
I often think about what the Glade would be like with girls in it. Not romantically, per say, but... more about their point of view, the way they express their emotions better than guys do, how they know how to support and care about others. I don't remember any girls, I don't remember anything, but I hope someone cared for me, maybe even loved me. I tell myself someone did, when I'm in the maze with nothing else to think about, but did they?
Did someone tell me about their day, complain about annoying people they had to deal with, then we'd laugh about it? Is that how it works?
How do you talk to someone you love? I guess maybe you'd... you would talk about your feelings, and then they would share theirs.
Would I have been a good choice? Did I make sure they were happy, safe? Did I walk with them, spend hours talking? Did we hold hands, or... kiss?
Did someone even love me? My parents? I did have parents, I'm almost sure of it. My parents love me, though, right? I mean, I am in this weird prison, and I'm stuck here, but do you think they're cheering for me whenever I'm in the maze, searching for a way out?
Maybe I did have a choice. She was probably really pretty. And nice, kind, smart. I wish she was here with me. That would make it better.
Wait- no. Of course I didn't want her to be stuck here, like I was! Why would I say that? She would be miserable here.
I sighed. Three minutes.
Gally came up to me.
"So you're in charge of this one?" He asked.
"Yeah, with Newt." I answered, staring straight at the box cover, speaking in a monotone.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him narrow his eyes at me, but he probably realized I didn't want to talk to him.
Gally's a headass. He really is. The thing is though, he looks out for his Builders, and he knows when somethings up. About a year ago, I hurt my ankle running, and had to stay in the Glade for a day. In that one day, in less than 8 hours, I overheard Gally comfort four different guys. Four. He was working on the medjack hut, and through the walls I could hear him tell a kid to stop working, breathe, and get a glass of water from Fry. His voice was really weird when he was talking to them. I'd even describe it as soft.
I still hate him, though.
I checked my watch again. Shuck! One minute. That's it. I hate to see the little guys come up. I don't want to do this! They cry, scream, sometimes they klunk their pants. It's sad, embarrassing, and funny, but it reminds when I came up. I hope this guy isn't annoying.
It's time.
We see the box lids slide up, then Gally and Newt cross onto the crate top and open one side, leaving half of it exposed. The guys around me all lean forward, while I subconsciously lean back. Why isn't there sniveling, crying, or screaming? Was there even a Greenie in there?
Newt opens the other, I guess because he assumed the greenie was underneath the second side.
And when he stands back up, he freezes.
His back tenses up. Gally walks right behind to see. The rest of the guys crowd around to the far side of the box.
What's going on? What's with the Greenie?
PS. The maze/outside world takes place in a dystopia, and in this world instead of "partner" or "soulmate," people refer to their lovers as "choices," because love is not only a feeling but a choice one makes in life.
Thanks for reading this! It's my first book and I would really appreciate feedback!