The Maze Runner, #1
The Maze Runner
by James Dashner
Contents
Chapter 29
Overview
Fleeing Teresa’s telepathic voice, Thomas runs the Maze for nearly two hours and realizes he instinctively knows routes and has exceptional endurance. He returns before the Doors close and sleeps in the Deadheads. By morning, Newt enforces the Council’s ruling: one day in the Slammer, then Runner training. Gally is missing, raising tension and uncertainty.
Summary
Thomas runs through the Maze until Teresa’s voice fades, then realizes he has been running for almost an hour near sunset. Without consciously planning, he navigates back perfectly, recognizing turns and timing, which confirms Minho’s belief that Thomas could become the best Runner. He also notes his rapid physical recovery and endurance, newly appreciating the Maze’s vast, shifting complexity.
Thomas reaches the Glade minutes before the Doors close and hides deep in the Deadheads to be alone. He falls asleep against the ivy after the south wall seals. By morning, Chuck finds him, wakes him, and urges Thomas to act normal to avoid more trouble. Thomas resolves to hide the telepathic conversation with Teresa, fearing others will think he is crazy.
Over breakfast, Chuck reports the Council’s decision: Thomas will spend one day in the cell, then start Runner training. The Gladers’ reactions are mixed but mostly supportive. When Thomas asks about Gally, Chuck says Gally ran into the Maze after the Gathering and hasn’t been seen; some accuse Thomas of causing it. Chuck speculates Gally is being hidden in the Glade, while Thomas suspects Gally might have stayed out to compete with him.
Newt arrives, reassures Thomas, and escorts him to the Slammer to serve his single day of punishment before training begins. Thomas hopes for a calm day, but he senses further strangeness is inevitable as tensions rise over Teresa’s arrival and Gally’s disappearance.
Who Appears
- ThomasFlees Teresa’s voice, demonstrates innate Maze navigation and endurance, returns before Doors close, and accepts a day in the Slammer before Runner training.
- ChuckFinds Thomas in the morning, urges him to act normal, relays the Council’s decision, and shares news and theories about Gally’s disappearance.
- NewtFinds Thomas asleep, ensures he’s left alone, and later escorts him to the Slammer to serve one day before Runner training.
- GallyReported missing after running into the Maze; his status fuels rumors and tension among the Gladers.
- TeresaCommunicates telepathically with Thomas, prompting his flight; remains comatose but a disruptive presence in Thomas’s mind.