I toss and turn as I attempt to sleep. Images flash in my mind of running the maze. Finally I can not take it anymore. I open my eyes and stare blankly at the celing.

'I need to focus. I need a plan.'

My thoughts are inturptted as the door to the Slammer swings wide open. Alby stands and says,

"Completely against my better judgment, Newt insisted you eat your last meal at the kitchen."

I want to cry at Newt's compassion but I don't dare. I can only nod as I avoid Alby's gaze.

"You try anything funny and you'll wish the Griever had got you."

》》》》》》[]《《《《《 《

Plenty of eyes follow my wretched self as I'm escorted by Alby to the kitchen. My legs don't want to work right, and I stumble a few times. Which just increases the stares.

Newt is waiting at the table. He notices me coming and stands. No friendly smile, no greeting.

'You know your a bad person if Newt won't even say a word to you.'

He gestures to the bench and as I'm being seated he finally speaks,

"Tell Frypan what you want, we will come get you when you're done."

I have to say something, thank him for his kindness and mercy, but I know any words of mine would fall on deaf ears.

》》》》》》[]《《《《《《

I slowly spoon up some chili. I bring it up and stare into it. Ever so gently I tilt the spoon on it's side and watch as the steamy liquid drops back into the bowl.

I let out a sigh and push away my bowl.

"I'd eat that if I were you."

I look up and see Frypan standing across the table. His gaze is full of shame towards me.

"You're not me." I say plainly.

"And thank God for that." He says as he walks away toward the kitchen.

Just like that the conversation is over and I'm left with my misery. The day grows shorter as does my life span.

'I need to find a way to stay out of that maze!' I think furiously.

'Staying in the Glade is out of the question. I refuse to go into the maze. What if I hide out in the woods the rest of my days?'

I suddenly hear voices as they walk behind me.

"Where are you going?"
"I'm dropping a request in the box."
"For what?"
"It's none of your business!"

I sit up straight as a new thought dawns on me. I thrust my hand in my pocket and my thought turns into a plan.

'I know what I'm going to do!'

This is the happiest I've felt in a while. So happy in fact that I finish off my chili in record time. Never has a last meal tasted so good.

'Wait! What if this isn't my last meal? What if this is the exit, it would make sense that the entrance would be an exit.'

I'm feeling oddly confident as I watch the day end. I should be distraught. Any minute, I will be taken to the maze, I must act fast.

I glance around, most of the Gladers are still busy at their work. Frypan has his back to me. Alby and Newt are nowhere in sight.

I stand and leave the table.

'Better to act calm, any quicker movements and I'll be noticed.'

This slow pace is madding. I'm halfway to my destination when I hear the shouts.

"Graham!"

'It's now or never. This or the maze'

I have the advantage over speed and I  feel that familiar old sensation of running as I pick up speed and rush toward the middle of the Glade. Running for what could be the last time. As I'm almost to the box I pull that vine out of my pocket.

"Graham stop!"

I almost stumble but quickly catch myself. I slid into the dirt beside the box and quickly tie the end of my vine to a corner of the open box. The shouting becomes loud and more numerous. I risk a stolen glance and see Newt, Alby and a few other boys running toward me.

The knot is tied securely. I peer down where the box would normally be and see nothing but darkness. In one swift movement I turn around and enter the box backward, my shoes dig into the dirt wall.

Clutching the strong vine I look back trimuphetly as the small group has turned into a crowd. They are gaining quickly. I suddenly spot John, in front of the mob. His face is wrenched in pain. His mouth moving quickly but his words fail.

For but a half of a second I question my actions. I immediately come back to my senses, remembering what is at stake.

"Stop! Stop!"

My last thoughts enter as I see no more of the Glade,

'I will not be a victim to the maze. Not again.'

A/N
AHHH GUYS!!! Please let me know if you have figured out who Graham is in the Maze Runner.... If you're not sure read the next and last chapter to find out!!!!