Dear Fiona,
I'm sure you now know the true meaning of "release". I assume the older caretakers have informed you already… You may be wondering why I'm saying this, why this is relevant to what I mean to talk about. Well, for starters, if you don't know what release is, it means death. When people are taken to be released, they are injected with a substance that kills them. I had seen a recording of the release of a newchild. He was a twin, and sadly, the smaller one compared to his brother. Then again, it would be sad either way. Anyways, I digress. Two Nurturers walked into a room and weighed the twins. One of the Nurturers was my father, the other a female. I watched as my father held the smaller twin down to the table he was laid on and inject a syringe into the newchild's forehead. The newchild squirmed in my father's hold and cried out before going limp and still. He disposed of the twin by dropping him in a garbage chute. I couldn't think of my father the same way that I used to anymore after that. Then, when he announced that Gabe wasn't doing as well as he had hoped, he said that the child would be released. I couldn't believe what I had heard, especially after my father said that he even voted for Gabe's release.
The Giver and I made plans for my escape. I was to leave the day of the ceremony, but after hearing what was to become of Gabe, I left later that night, taking him with me. It's been days now since we left. I'm not sure of the exact number of days Gabe and I have been gone, but I know it's been a while. Search planes have been looking for us the last few days and I've been trying my hardest to not get Gabe or myself caught by them. We travel at night so it would be harder for us to not be seen by anyone. Then when morning comes, Gabe and I eat some food and rest until it becomes night again.
I've just now realized I never actually said why The Giver and I planned my escape. Well, long story short, we wanted to help the community get used to the idea of memories, and possibly transmit some to them. We realized that this would be very risky, since there are so many painful memories that exist. However, the countless number of good memories completely outweighs the bad ones. So much satisfaction and happiness can come from one small, simple act of kindness. These memories range from taking pleasure in doing something good to feeling safe to knowing that you've got a friend that cares about you. Which reminds me…
I'm glad to have had you as a friend for so long. I like that we got along very well and that you tolerated my behavior. I'm very lucky to have known you. You're my best friend Fiona.
Sincerely, Jonas
