Chapter 9 – Illness

AN: Hello, my readers and Gladers! We are back! It's been a little longer than I hoped, because life has been full! I've been making new friends, been singing a lot and I swear if I don't have my computer right in front of me, it's out of sight, out of mind… But I hope you'll like this chapter as well as the other ones.

We remember: Minho and Newt have gone into the Maze for the first time and Alby has appointed Newt as his second-in-command and both of our boys as Runners.

Have fun with this chapter!

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"Newt, our second-in-command and Runner!"

That sounded so unreal. Even when I was lying in my hammock in the evening, my mind did not want to understand what had happened in the last few days. While Blue cuddled up next to me and laid her head on my belly, I stroked her and reviewed the past day.

Minho and I had gone into the Maze. And we'd found that it was much, much bigger than previously thought. Since we first went in four days ago, we had already gained some insights. Apparently, the Maze changed. On the first day, when we stood at the junction, we could see more than seven different passages. Two more had been there the next day. And the next day three, then today six. And even though I was looking forward to going back into the Maze tomorrow... At the same time, I had a queasy feeling in my stomach that caused me some nausea. It was uncanny that such a structure existed that changed at will.

I still didn't feel comfortable with the Maze and I approached it with great skepticism. But we had to go in. For us, for the boys and for everyone else who was coming. For the sake of freedom.

And gradually the whole life in the Glade developed in a more and more positive direction. Alby and I had been trying from the beginning to build a kind of society, starting with the huts and the stables. By growing and cultivating vegetables, we had two sources of food. And now each of us got a job. Earlier, Alby had held a meeting. Admittedly, we were not very many, but there would be more to come, I was 100% sure of that. There, Alby had once again suggested his idea to Gally and Frypan. Although the two had not been around for that long, they had a say. And both were enthusiastic about the idea.

So now it looked like this: Alby was the leader, responsible for keeping an eye on everything, coordinating and mediating. The same was my job as his deputy and second-in-command. Alby had decided that we were both in office at the same time. So that I wouldn't be thrown in at the deep end at some point. So basically the Glade had two leaders.

At the same time, I was also a Runner in the Maze with Minho. Here, our task was to find a way out of the Maze. But that was far from easy.

Gally really wanted to go into the garden and plant vegetables there.

Frypan, on the other hand, had opted for the cattle. He loved animals, or so he said, and was very keen to breed his own calf. That we didn't have cows didn't seem to bother him.

So far, so good. Now it was time to wait. It would take time to explore the Maze and get to know the pathways. It would be some time before we found the exit. I guessed about 6 months.

While my thoughts were still revolving around the Maze, I closed my eyes. The day had been exhausting today. We'd been walking back and forth for over three hours, taking notes. I was so tired. I just wanted to….

"Newt... Hey, Newt! Wake up, we have to go!"

Startled, I shot up. That woke Blue, who had still been sleeping next to me.

"Whoa, easy, it's just me."

The Asian raised both hands reassuringly.

"Minho? Dude, do you have to scare me like that?"

One glance was enough to realize that it had to be broad daylight by now. As soon as the brightness hit my retina, a stabbing pain shot through my head. With difficulty, I was able to suppress a groan. Confused, I shook myself a little. I couldn't remember falling asleep. Weird. With my heart still pounding, I pushed my legs out of the hammock and reached for my orange top.

"Sorry, dude. But we're supposed to go into the Maze today. Alby gave us four hours. And it's almost noon."

So I had been right. I had slept for a long time, contrary to my usual habit. I usually slept an estimated 5-6 hours a day. Well, so what? Meanwhile, I noticed that Minho was still gesticulating wildly at me. That didn't do my headache any good. Minimally annoyed, I raised a hand.

"Minho, it's alright. Let me just grab a bite and wash up, then we can get started, okay?"

He nodded in surprise.

"I'll wait for you at the entrance."

And off he went. Shaking my head, I ran my fingers through my hair once, then stood up, grabbed my thin, white sweater and pulled it over my head as well. Then I stroked Blue goodbye and made my way to the river. Feeling exhausted, I splashed a few handfuls of water on my face. Soaking wet and with dripping bangs, I trotted back to the hut, slipped on my shoes and yawned heartily.

With drooping shoulders, I shuffled towards the gate. There stood Alby and Minho, waiting for me.

"Here I am, sorry, took a while. Can we go?", I muttered.

"No way. You're not going anywhere today, Newt," Alby said.

I looked up in surprise. His dark eyes examined me with concern.

"And why not?"

"Tell me, Newt… Are you unwell?" Minho now wanted to know too.

I shrugged.

"I only have a headache, nothing else," I waved off.

"Newt, you're white as a sheet. And you look incredibly tired. I think it's better if you stay here today."

Alby's voice tolerated no excuses. I could not contradict that. I actually just wanted to get back to bed and sleep. Minho did not disagree. Since he was finally allowed into the Maze, he had become much calmer and more balanced. And that within a few days. Probably all the exercise did him good. I usually liked to move too, but today every step was torture.

Led by Alby and Minho, I was transported back to my hammock. Both looked at each other worriedly. I had no idea why, but I didn't care. As soon as I laid down, I was asleep.

I didn't notice Minho and Alby checking in on me every half hour to make sure everything was okay. They only told me that afterwards. But their concerns were justified. According to Alby, I was getting worse by the minute.

My memories only resumed when I shot up in my bed, drenched in sweat, and my stomach turned only seconds later. At the same time as I was vomiting, I heard rapid footsteps coming towards me. I had to throw up again and again until finally my stomach hurt from the cramps. When finally only bile came up and the retching subsided, I felt two pairs of hands grab me and pull me out of the hammock. Who it was, I couldn't tell. I was only aware of everything in a dim and blurred way.

It wasn't until we arrived at the river that my head became a little clearer. I was dropped off on the grass near the shore. Only now did I realize that a tear was running down my cheek. Inwardly I cursed myself. I didn't know if it was the same for others, but whenever I threw up, tears would come. Why? No idea.

Someone grabbed me by the ankles and gently pulled me to the water. Then I felt someone running something wet through my face.

"So, now it should be better, huh?"

"Alby?" I asked slowly.

"Yes, and Minho is here too. We heard you throw up. Well, it was about time. You already looked like a ghost earlier. And you're positively burning up. Do you still have a headache?"

I nodded slightly. Now that Alby mentioned it, I realized how freezing the water on my skin had actually been. Immediately I started shaking.

"Oh shit, now he's got chills too."

I smiled as I recognized Minho's unmistakable voice. While I kept my eyes closed, a glass of water was put to my lips. I could rinse my mouth out with it. After that, I felt a little better, but I still felt miserable.

I dozed off again.

When I woke up again, I was not lying in my hammock, but on a real bed. I was wrapped in what felt like 1,000 blankets. I had a cold rag on my forehead.

"Well, there you are again. Thank God. You've been asleep for three hours again," Minho grinned.

"Uh, great..." I grumbled and tried to free myself from the masses of blankets.

"Alby overreacted a bit, let me help you."

Finally, I was able to sit up. I felt much better. I still had a headache and I was hot, but I felt more like a human than a zombie again.

"Alby thinks you might have caught an infection. It's best to stay here today and tomorrow, then you can go back."

I nodded, then turned back to the side and continued to sleep. Right now, sleeping was the best thing I could do.

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EN: This concludes chapter 9. I'm translating a very important piece at the moment, but I'll try to keep my computer in sight, so that I won't forget about this story.

Kisses and cake,

Yuna McHill