Ch 2
Thomas finds himself surrounded by the other children. Some point and laugh. Others jab him in the chest. Thomas can see that he is in a courtyard, several times the size of a football field. Each side of the courtyard is surrounded by a stone wall several hundred feet high. In the middle of each side of the wall there is an opening that leads to corridors and passages beyond. The boys comment to each other using phrases and jargon that Thomas cannot understand. Words like “shuck”, “shank”, and “slopper” are thrown around in casual conversation. One of the boys tells the others to be quiet. Thomas guesses that this boy must be the leader.
In a corner of the courtyard stands a dilapidated wooden building. In another corner Thomas can see corn, tomato, and fruit trees. Nearby are holding pens for livestock. Thomas can see the sky above but with the walls being as high as they are it is difficult to discern the time of day. The smells of the area immediately tell Thomas that he is on some sort of farm.
The dark-skinned boy that Thomas had guessed was the leader steps forward. He tells Thomas that he will give him the full tour tomorrow. He tells Thomas that his name is Alby and extends his hand. Thomas refuses and walks away, sitting under a tree. He asks Alby to tell him what is happening. Alby rolls his eyes.
Thomas studies the group. There are fifty or sixty boys, ranging from teenagers to young adults. Thomas suddenly realizes that he does not even remember his own age. He gives up on trying to look brave. He asks Alby where he is. Alby sits down next to him and tells him that if he wasn’t scared he wouldn’t be human. If he behaved any differently Alby would believe he was psychotic and throw him off The Cliff. This only frightens Thomas more. Alby sees that he is only scaring Thomas more and tries to calm him by telling him that they don’t kill “shanks” like him. Thomas is only more distraught at hearing this.
One of the other boys steps in and slaps Alby across the head. He tells Alby to wait for the tour. His name is Newt. He is about a year younger than Alby. Alby continues, explaining that this place is known as the Glade. All the boys eat, sleep, and live there. They call themselves Gladers.
Suddenly, a piercing human scream emerges from the wooden building. Newt runs off, telling Thomas to find Chuck for his sleeping arrangements. Thomas slumps against the tree, wishing he could wake up from this nightmare.