Disclaimer: copyright for The Giver belongs to Lois Lowry
I was – frightened – when I woke up to find you gone. And I realized I hadn't truly felt anything in my entire life. I suppose that's part of what you taught us, Jonas. To feel deeply, beyond what we share at the dinner table.
I remember when you asked me if I loved you. I hadn't been expecting the question and all I could respond at first was to use precise language. I hadn't known what to say – love is such a little-used word. But I wish I had you I loved you. Now I will never have the chance.
I'm glad, in a way, that you took Gabriel with you. Maybe there will be a place for him Elsewhere. Our community certainly has no place for him. And I tried as hard as I could to find him a place.
Everyone in the community chanted "Jonas, Jonas" for the first time since that little boy drowned in the river. I'd never hurt before. There was no reason to hurt. The community does all it can to protect everyone from being hurt.
But there was nothing they could do when the memories started to return to us.