Betrayal - How to Forgive

Betrayal, also known as disloyalty.  The worst offense a friend or loved one can do to you.  The act of betrayal can just rip you up and set your emotions on fire; to say the least, it's not the best feeling in the world.  Have you ever been betrayed by a best friend or loved one?  Is it even possible to forgive them after an act of treachery? Personally, I never have but James Dashner's words in The Scorch Trials illustrate the deep meaning of betrayal in friendship.

When Thomas was struggling to survive physically, Teresa emotionally murdered him.  The act she put on was cruel and violating to their trust.  Not only did Teresa physically beat Thomas up with a staff and sword, she showed affection for Aris - and kissed him.  I think it would be very hard to betray someone physically, but right when she kissed Aris on the cheek, the pain that drowned Thomas' heart was more severe than any of the pain caused by the sword. 

Thomas didn't just get his heart broken and a few deep gashes in his skin for fun, but after he was healed he was expected to forgive and forget.  When Thomas came back into conscience, Teresa greeted him with a bear hug.  (Ummm, I don't know about you but after being betrayed by your best friend and girl friend, I don't think a big hug will do the trick.)  Is Thomas just suppose to forgive Teresa and believe it was just a mission set out by WICKED?  Was it Teresa's true intentions or did she regret every word and punch that she forced upon Thomas?

I think it would be extremely hard to forgive a loved one who betrayed me.  To regain the trust and the emotional bond would take time and a lot of patience.  My heart goes out to the fictional Thomas; James Dashner's words in The Scorch Trials seem so real and portray such great scenes that it keeps the reader on the edge and hoping for more.