The Maze Runner (Thomas)

Chapter 7:

   (3rd POV)  

''Thomas! Are you ready for another day of work?'' Newt asked, as he half limps towards him.

''I guess''

''Track-hoes, and Newt will be tagging along soon. He's going to make you some company'' This time it was Alby and a grim expression passed Thomas's face. ''Tilling, weeding, planting and harvesting.''

''C'mon, it's not as bad as it sounds," Newt promises, leading him into the Gardens.

They headed out for the northeast corner, toward the big rows of tall green cornstalks that looked ready to harvest. There was other stuff, too: tomatoes, lettuce, peas, and a lot more that Thomas didn't recognize.

...

''Has anyone tried climbing to the top?'' Thomas asked.

''Tried it. The ivy doesn't go all the way to the top. And besides, where are you going to go from there?'' Newt replied.

''What about the box?''

''Tried. The box won't go back with someone on it''

''What if-''

 ''We already tried. Twice. Trust me. Everything what you think of it, we already tried that. The only way out is through the maze. Now, would you help me? Go get additional fertilizer.'' He said, tossing Thomas a basket.

He catches it instinctively and stumbled back a little bit. In a matter of seconds he entered the thick copse of trees.

''Go get some fertilizer'' Thomas mimicked Newt and growled. He got to his knees and started digging some fertilizer.

"Shuck it," Thomas whispered.

 A twig snapped somewhere and he jerked his head in that direction.

"Who's there?" Thomas yelled out, a tingle of fear. He stayed frozen, waiting for an answer.

"Anybody there?" he asked again, hoping now that no one was there.

Without really thinking, Thomas headed toward the noise. He came across a cross and Thomas leaned closer to get a better look when another twig broke, this time straight in front of him.

He squinted, trying to make out what was on the other side, and then gasped when it came into focus. A skinny boy, pale and having rope sized green veins coming out his face. He wore nothing but shorts, his whiter-than-white skin stretched across his bones like a sheet wrapped tightly around a bundle of sticks. 

It was the sick boy.

It was Ben. 

Just in case, he called out, panic overtaking him. ''Oh hey, Ben right? It's me, Thomas. The new guy. Well, second-newest-''

But before Thomas could finish, Ben leaped into the air and tackled him to the ground.

Thomas struggled to get him off as Ben's fingers were pressing down on his neck, choking him. His mind raced as he looks around for something to knock him out when he spotted a skull near the grave. He stretches his arm out towards it, fingers spread out, reaching for it.

...