Chapter 10:
Jonas rested his head against the Giver. He still lived, though barely. He was hooked up to machines that were meant to prolong his fading life.
"Giver, please, wake up."
"Jonas, it's time you let him go," Emilia said, resting her hand on his shoulder.
"No! You don't understand. Nobody understands!"
"Jonas," Emilia whispered softly. He ignored her. She sighed. "Fine. Be that way." He still said nothing.
Emilia left his room, and she heard an odd noise. It took her a moment to realize that the transporter had become active. Emilia ran down the stairs. Gabe was at school, but Emilia had remained home to take care of Jonas. He refused to leave the old man's side. He would only eat if they brought him food.
Emilia through open the door. The transporter was beeping very loudly. Someone was trying to get in! She turned the transporter on, and steam filled the room. When it cleared, there appeared to be no one inside the capsule. Confused, Emilia pushed open the door. There, lying in a heap, was a little boy, no more then seven years old. Emilia stared at his odd, grey clothes in wonder. She scooped the skinning boy into her arms.
"Jonas!" she called up. No response. "Jonas, get down here, now!" The little boy in her arms stirred. "Hello," she said softly.
"Please don't shout at me," he muttered. "I'll get down."
"What ever do you mean, little one?"
"You told me to get down," he replied, still sounding groggy.
"You're name is Jonas?" she asked. He gave her a sleepy smile.
"You have nice eyes," the boy whispered. "They're brown."
"So are yours," she told the odd child in her arms.
"Are they?"
Emilia did not know what to make of the strange little boy.
"Where are your parents?"
"They were Released." Her breath caught in her throat. A community boy! Here?
"Come on, little one. I'll get you some nice lunch."
"It's mid afternoon? Already?"
"Yes."
"I didn't get breakfast," he said, pouting. She grinned, taking the child by the hand. Some things never changed. Boys still only thought about food!
"Is this Elsewhere?" he asked, as she poured his a glass of orange juice.
"This is my village," she replied.
"Oh," he said, though his face was blank. She sighed. "What's that?"
"Orange juice."
"I can see it's orange," the little Jonas replied indignantly. "But what's juice?"
"Juice is something you drink. It's good, I promise." He tentatively took a sip. His face lit up.
"Hey, this is good!"
"Told you." She grinned at him. He gave her a lopsided smile.
"Well, Jonas, is it?" He nodded. "Is that a common name in your Community?"
"No. I'm the only one who has it." He grinned with pride.
Emilia slid a grilled cheese sandwich over to him.
"What's this?" he asked.
"A sandwich," she replied, repressing a sigh. "A grilled cheese sandwich." He grinned again, taking a large bite of the sandwich. She shook her head.
"You're pretty," the child said, as he broke a long, gooey string of melted cheese off of the sandwich. "What's your name?"
"Emilia," she replied.
"There's a four down the street who is called Emilia," he reported proudly, as he continued to play with a long string of cheese. She couldn't help but smile at the curious little boy. "Do you know her?"
"I don't really know anyone from your Community," she said. "There are a few other people here who come from Communities, though."
"Really?" he looked up from the cheese. "Anyone named Lily?"
"Lily?" she repeated. "No." His face fell.
"Oh," he said softly. "I wanted my sister to be here. I miss her, even though I'm not supposed to." Emilia looked over at the sad little boy.
"Where is your sister? Back in the Community?"
"She was Lost. She fell in the river, and it took her away."
"Oh, Jonas, I'm sorry."
"Sorry? Why are you apologizing? You didn't take her. The river did."
Emilia heard the door open. She heard Gabe's familiar laughter. She scowled.
"Stay here for a minute, would you, Jonas," she said, giving him a smile. He nodded, and resumed playing with the cheese. Emilia quickly went to the front door. She snached Gabe by the ear, dragging him inside. His friends laughed.
"Emila, what was that for?" he demanded as she slammed the door shut.
"You have been communicating with a Community boy! You brought a Community boy here!"
"Yes," Gabe replied with a small smile. "Jonas. Lily's little brother."
"Who is Lily?" Emilia demanded. "That's the second time I've heard her name today!"
"Lily is Jonas's little sister." Emilia frowned.
"Jonas, as in the Jonas that is upstairs?"
"Yes."
"His little sister? Is that who he visits?"
"Yes."
"She was lost, at least that is what the little boy told me."
"She fell in the river, but Jonas is convinced she's on her way over."
"Well, Gabe, first you can explain to mom and dad why there is a little kid here. Then, you and I are going to get in the car and look for signs of this Lily."
"All right," Gabe sighed. "Let's go."
