Giver, Have you ever lied to me? Jonas had asked
I am obligated to lie, but I have never lied to you The Giver replied
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'I, Jarrett Skye, a Parliament representative would like to inform the people of Earth that we have voted unanimously to make a decision that the world would indeed survive better if there was absolute sameness'
Jonas froze, widening his eyes at the man on TV
'Now, this is not a split second decision, we have come together with many leaders and after a year of contemplation, we have come to a conclusion. Please, do not panic, we will relay specific instructions to you'
"Hmm, sameness? What do you think it'll be like Jonas?"
Jonas turned to his nurse, Audrey. Face drained of all color. Flabbergasted
Finally, Jonas managed to stutter something out
"S-sameness?"
He asked her, like she could explain what exactly was happening using a picture book
"Jonas?" She frowned. "Are you alright?"
'Everyone will be assigned their life jobs, depending on their interests. You will all get a set of rules, each set of rules will vary by job.'
'Sameness…what happened to The Community?' Jonas dreaded the answer
"Jona?" Gabe piped up, staring curiously at the boy with his light blue eyes.
Jonas remained silent now, watching the man intently
'But, the most important job in our community is 'The Receiver', they hold the key to the community's future. After much debate and searching, we have found the perfect human to take on this job'
'Jonas, currently in care at the Aisleford hospital, age 14. You will be The Receiver'
"Nas…Onas…JONAS!"
Gasping, Jonas shot up from his bed, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead. He looked to the left, finding a worried Audrey and Gabe beside him, staring at him intently
"How do you feel? Sick? Fevered?" Audrey questioned professionally, touching his forehead.
Jonas gave her a dead stare
"Is it true I'm the new receiver?" he deadpanned
"Yes, my what a great honor Jonas!" She praised, a smile growing on her face.
It goes back, back and back The giver had told him
Jonas did not understand, but he nodded
"Ohgod, he's seizing! get a doctor in here!"
We don't have to care about them! Jonas urged the giver
The giver turned to him with a questioning smile
"Stay with me Jonas! Breathe!"
Jonas, they don't understand, they can't feel anything. They don't know what they're doing The Giver firmly told him
Hello sir, Yes sir, Kill people sir? Anything, Newborns? No problem. Elderly? Thank you for your instructions sir, how may I help you sir? I will do anything, thank you for your instructions sir Jonas mocked bitterly
Jonas, I believe we can change the community, we could help them understand
There could be love…Jonas whispered.
Lies
Jonas now understood the ominous phrase,
"Our people made that choice, the choice to go to Sameness. Before my time, before the previous time, back and back and back."