The Maze Runner, #1
The Maze Runner
by James Dashner
Contents
Chapter 46
Overview
Another Griever raid strikes the Homestead, taking Dave as the Gladers huddle in fear. Thomas seizes the moment and deliberately provokes multiple stings to trigger his memories, then is injected with the Grief Serum. His risky choice raises hope for answers to the Maze code and accelerates the endgame.
Summary
Thomas withdraws from the others, pretending to rest while secretly preparing to execute his plan to recover memories. As night falls, the Gladers shelter in the repaired Homestead; Alby, bandaged but mobile, helps organize rotating sleep. Teresa is allowed to stay inside, and Thomas struggles to quiet his fear.
When the Grievers return, their metal scraping surrounds the Homestead. A violent breach upstairs sends Gladers fleeing to the first floor. A Griever seizes Dave, and the creature smashes through the house to exit. Believing his plan is their best chance, Thomas bolts outside despite Newt’s shout and Teresa’s telepathic alarm.
Thomas races into the pack of Grievers, leaps onto the one carrying Dave, and provokes an attack. Multiple Grievers swarm him; Thomas fights to avoid being taken but welcomes the needles, ensuring he is stung many times. Once pricked repeatedly, he breaks free and runs until the Grievers retreat into the Maze, leaving Dave taken.
Newt, Chuck, Teresa, and others rush Thomas back inside. As Med-jacks assess dozens of stings, Newt orders the Grief Serum. Warmth spreads through Thomas as the drug takes hold. Before blacking out, Thomas whispers that he did it on purpose, confirming his intent to unlock memories that could decode the Maze.
Who Appears
- ThomasProtagonist; deliberately provokes multiple Griever stings to regain memories, then receives the Grief Serum.
- TeresaTelepathically pleads with Thomas to stop; watches him follow through and be treated after the stings.
- NewtLeads defense and logistics; rescues Thomas from outside and orders the Grief Serum.
- DaveGlader seized by a Griever during the raid and taken into the Maze.
- ChuckStays close during the chaos and is present when Thomas is carried and treated.
- AlbyRecently recovered enough to walk; helps organize sleeping rotations amid the threat.
- FrypanCook who prepares a quick meal before the night’s attack.
- Med-jacksExamine Thomas’s numerous stings and assist in administering the Serum.
- GrieversInvade the Homestead, abduct Dave, and sting Thomas before retreating into the Maze.