Newt

Winter descended on the Glade unexpectedly and mercilessly. The walls of the Labyrinth held back the icy wind, snow blanketed the meadows, and food supplies and livestock quickly perished from the extreme cold. The Gladers survived as best they could: scavenging scraps of wool, crafting blankets, and huddling in huts.

But Mia kept to herself. The only girl among the boys, she built an impenetrable wall around herself. Mia never asked for help, took the smallest portion of food, and often refused dinner altogether. The Gladers didn't impose themselves—everyone had enough of their own worries.

That evening, a fire was lit in the center of the Glade. The boys sat close together, warming themselves and eating Frypan's hot stew. Mia sat far away near the forest on a fallen log. She wore only a thin sweater, her breath steamed, her lips were blue, but she made no attempt to approach the fire.

Newt watched her from the fire for a long time. Seeing her shrink from the cold, he couldn't bear it any longer. Taking a deep bowl of food and a heavy fur blanket, Newt quietly approached the girl.

He sat down next to her and with a deft movement threw the blanket over her shoulders and his own. Mia shuddered, but warmth instantly enveloped her.

"Mi, please eat. You're really cold," Newt said softly, holding out the steaming bowl.

She looked at him silently with tired eyes. Her gaze held a hint of pride, but she had no strength left to resist the cold, and her trembling fingers slowly took the food.

Newt smiled, moved closer and wrapped her tighter against the wind:

• Eat. I'll warm you up.