Thomas made it through the Flat-Trans and looked at Minho catching his breath, both of them reliving all the things they'd gone through together; all the death, all the pain. But mixed in with all those terrible feelings was relief.
Mostly Thomas felt the pain of losing his closest friends. The closest friends he'd ever had. Watching Brenda die - to save his life - had been almost too much to bear. Thomas had thought - had hoped - that there had been something between them, and seeing that shattered was unbearable. But he knew what he had to do. Brenda had been right. He shouldn't blame Teresa for what she did. Although it had got them nearly killed, she did what she thought was right.
Then Thomas did the only thing he could think of. He looked for Teresa. He found her staring at the Flat-Trans.
"Hey," he whispered, coming up behind her. She turned, tears covering her face.
"Hey," she said, wiping her face. Thomas stood beside her and looked into the archway.
"What's the matter?" Thomas asked, turning to her. She held his gaze for a moment, and then glanced away.
"All the people who gave their lives for us to be here. Newt, Alby, little Chuck...Brenda," she glanced at him. Thomas stiffened. Just hearing Brenda's name was as painful as a knife in his heart.
"She was a hero, Thomas, she was brave. Giving her own life to save yours means that she...she cared very much for you." Teresa turned back to Thomas. "I would have done the same."
Thomas looked straight into her eyes, and this time she held his gaze.
"I-I'm sorry for what I did," she whispered, still staring into his eyes. "I'm sorry for betraying the Gladers...for betraying you. If you are still furious with me, I don't blame you. If you never want to speak to me again, I get it. But I hope you will be able to forgive me." Teresa stepped forward, leaving only a small gap between her and Thomas.
"Teresa, I-I'm still angry at what you did, but Brenda told me to―" Thomas felt himself choking up. "―to forgive you. It wasn't until she said it, that I realised that she was right. Keeping a grudge against you will not help matters. There are only two hundred people left to keep this planet going. After all we've been through together, in the Glade and in the Scorch, keeping our friends close is everything."
Teresa nodded, tears beginning to flow down her face again.
"What I'm trying to say," Thomas said uneasily, "is that I forgive you. I forgive you, Teresa."
She nodded, taking his hand uncertainly. He squeezed in response, then he stepped closer, closing the tiny gap between them. He kissed her on the cheek and then on the lips.
Thomas pulled Teresa closer as the last of the sun disappeared below the horizon. He could feel that things were going to get better from now on.