The Maze Runner, #1
The Maze Runner
by James Dashner
Contents
Chapter 38
Overview
The Gladers barricade themselves in the Homestead as the endless gray sky persists and supplies are cut. In a tense strategy meeting, Alby yields leadership decisions to Newt and Minho, volunteering to manage the Map analysis. Through a harrowing night, Grievers climb the Homestead—and Gally suddenly returns, shocking everyone.
Summary
The Gladers crowd into the Homestead, distributing blankets and taking up silent positions as the gray, sunless sky presses in. Upstairs, Thomas, Newt, Alby, and Minho resume their strategy talk. Newt insists they must act despite failing walls and cut supplies. Minho proposes extended Maze runs, staying out for days to observe wall movements.
Alby resists risking lives, but Minho volunteers himself and Thomas, and Newt offers despite his injured leg. After tension peaks, Alby admits he’s not thinking clearly and tells Newt and Minho to make decisions. Seeking purpose, Alby asks to lead Map analysis and criticizes staying idle; he impulsively heads to the Map Room despite warnings.
Later, most Gladers attempt sleep in cramped rooms with lights doused and makeshift defenses ready. Thomas struggles with fear and worry, thinking of Chuck and imprisoned Teresa. In the deep night, Griever machinery approaches, their spikes scraping as at least several creatures scale the Homestead’s exterior, halting outside the barricaded window.
With everyone huddled away from the window, lights flicker through the boards, probes searching. The room holds its breath—until the hallway door bursts open from behind. Expecting a Glader or a Griever, Thomas turns and is stunned to see Gally standing there.
Who Appears
- ThomasParticipates in strategy talks, supports extended Maze exploration, endures a tense night as Grievers scale the Homestead.
- AlbyDepressed leader who yields decision-making to Newt and Minho; volunteers to lead Map analysis; briefly leaves to act.
- NewtUrges action despite fear, mediates the plan, forbids Alby from leaving at night, coordinates silent defense in the Homestead.
- MinhoAdvocates multi-day Maze runs; volunteers himself and Thomas to explore despite the risks.
- GallyMissing Glader who suddenly reappears by bursting into the room, shocking everyone.
- GrieversMechanical monsters that surround and climb the Homestead, probing through boarded windows during the night.