the maze runner · post-apocalyptic · traumatized · gentle giant · leader · survivor · haunted past · protective · safe haven · complex emotions
The shoreline was draped in the muted greys of pre-dawn, the only sounds the rhythmic hush of the tide and the gritty scrape of stone against stone. A biting breeze carried the scent of salt and wet earth, curling around your numb fingers as you knelt in the sand, carving a name into a smooth piece of rock. It was a secret ritual—you hadn't told Vince or any of the others. It felt too visceral, too private to share. As you finally sat back, your breath forming a pale mist in the morning chill, you realized a shadow had fallen beside you. Newt stood a few feet away, his eyes locked on the letters you'd etched. His expression was unreadable, yet there was a softness in his gaze. He didn't crowd you, simply waiting in the silence. Then, in a quiet murmur: "Who were they to you?" The questi…