'’You're alive!" Thomas exclaimed.

‘’Of course I'm alive. We all are’’ Minho smiled, walked over and stared to cut up the ropes that tied Thomas hands together.

Newt came up to Thomas, “Glad you’re not bloody dead, Tommy’’

‘’You too. How did you find us?’’ Thomas asked.

“Yesterday morning, Frypan was peeking around the corner into that alley up there just as those three shanks pulled a gun on you. We got mad and started planning our ambush.’’

Minho finished up with Thomas and Newt went to free Brenda. She winced as the ropes around her wrists were loosened. She ripped the duct tape off her mouth and untangled the tight cords that bound her ankles.

“You okay?” Thomas asked her.

 “I’m fine’’ she muttered, not making eye contact.

 ‘’Alright, we should go. Now’’ Minho said.

Minho didn’t seem to notice but Thomas wondered what what’s wrong with her. Then he remembered. Of course. Thomas groaned.

 ‘’Look I-I didn't mean what I said-’’ Thomas started but Brenda cut him off.

“’Yeah you did, otherwise you wouldn't have said it. You think I give a crap about you and Alex? What, you think I’m in love with you or something?’’

And before he could respond, she was already heading for the door and disappeared upstairs.

Minho and Newt peered back at Thomas ‘’what’s up with her?’’

Thomas just shook his head and moved to follow. He’d get her alone as soon as they were away to have a long talk. He liked her; but he just wanted to be her friend. When they reached upstairs they saw Jorge and the rest of the Gladers. Thomas was so happy he almost started to giggle like Ponytail used to do.

But as soon as he stepped outside...

“Hey!”

The shout came from behind Thomas, and Thomas spun around to see Blondie holding a gun.

Oh crap.

And before anyone could react, he fired. Everything happened so fast.

Pure pain ripped through Thomas shoulder knocking him back in slow motion. He hit his head in the process and his vision started to blur.

All he heard before blacking out was:

 '’THOMAS!!’’ It was Brenda. Her screamed remind him of Alex the day he slipped inside the Maze.