Epilogue to The GiverJonas pulled himself and Gabe up off the sled. Now the fatigue and hunger that had been gnawing at him, nearly preventing him from completing this journey, were only a distant rumble in his tummy. His excitement took over and his senses felt overloaded with new stimuli, as he created new memories of his own at every step. He carried Gabe as they walked down snow covered streets. Peering into glowing windows, smelling the sweet aroma of Christmas cookies, and the earthy scent of pine emanating from these homes. Jonas followed the music he heard upon arriving, he could decipher words here and there, Deck Holley Fa la la , he wondered what each of them could mean. But the true beauty of the music was in the voices. Despite not understanding the words, the voices conveyed joy, bliss, and togetherness. Jonas knew he needed to join in this Jonas and Gabe approached the home from which this joyous music was pouring, he slowed at the doorsteps, taking a minute to smooth his rumpled coat, and to wrap Gabe more tightly in his blanket. He walked up the three steps, knocked on the door and waited. When no one answered, he realized he must knock harder, for the music inside must be muffling out his calls. With a strong hand, he knocked again, and this time the music quieted, and he heard footsteps nearing inside. The door opened and a lovely, rosy-cheeked woman peered down at them. Hi, my name is Jonas and this is Gabe. We have just arrived from a very long journey, can we come inside? As Jonas and Gabe slowly entered the colorful, warm, and welcoming house, Jonas realized that the memories the Giver had shared with him were no longer what mattered. He was now making new memories through his own feelings. The sensations were overwhelming and he could tell Gabe was feeling overjoyed as well to be warm again, and with people. This he could tell, is the true meaning of home.