The Nurturer walks into the familiar small windowless room, gazing around at the furniture, which consists of only a bed, a table with all of his tools, and a cupboard. He
always wishes for the room to be a little less gloomy. He wants the young children to enjoy their last moments in the community.
"Sorry I have to do this to you, buddy," says the Nurturer as he holds up the needle before Gabe. "We gave you an extra year, but it didn't work out. At least you get to
have the injection in your arm."
Gabe lets out a cry as the needle slides into his arm. Soon, he goes limp. "So long, Gabe," says the Nurturer as he carefully puts Gabe in a box, then tosses him down the
chute. Just as Gabe disappears down the chute, a male youth of about 13 runs in through the door.
"Dad, no! Don't kill Gabe!"
"Jonas, you're not supposed to be here! And anyway, it's too late. He's gone."
How silly they both are, thinks the chief elder, smirking. The new Receiver has a lot to learn. Little do they know that the injection is not at all lethal, and that the "Garbage Chute"
leads to Wonderland.
Bump! Slide! Crash! Whoosh! This is what is going through Gabe's head as he goes tumbling down the long and winding chute to Wonderland. A group of strange and
wonderful people and creatures are gathered in front of him.
"Welcome Gabe!" they say, smiling, in unison. "We've been waiting for you..."