Chapter 31

At nightfall, Alby arrives at the Slammer and releases Thomas. Though looking recovered, Alby admits he still feels awful and that the Changing left him with disturbing images. He says he saw Thomas with the Creators and that when he tries to talk about it, something chokes him. The memories are already fading, which Alby suspects is deliberate interference, like the memory wipe.

Pressed by Thomas, Alby refuses to risk speaking more and suggests the Grief Serum and the Changing may be suspect. He adds that if the memories are real, the outside world is so terrible he would rather face Grievers than return. Despite the uncertainty, Alby insists Thomas isn’t evil, citing Thomas’s rescue of Alby and Minho.

Freed from the cell, Thomas eats a late dinner Frypan left for him, bolstered by the Cook’s quiet support. Minho joins him, offering statistics, orientation, and an old story about solving mazes by keeping one hand on a wall, noting it doesn’t work here since all paths lead back to the Glade.

Afterward, Thomas beds down behind the Deadheads, reflecting on the engineered perfection of the Glade and the enormity of the Maze. Minho’s briefing underscores the scale of the challenge and the Runners’ perseverance despite no exit found.

Resolving to put aside fear and confusion, Thomas commits to his new role. He decides to focus on finding what the Gladers are missing and vows not to quit until he solves the Maze, with Runner training beginning tomorrow.