Continuation of The Giver

Jonas walked forward, always forward. One more yard to walk until he reached the lit path through what he could only assume was another community. It was only a little further, and though Jonas was running out of energy, Gabriel really needed to get warm. The cold had really gotten to him over the journey. Jonas dearly missed the giver, and his friends and family back in the community, but now certainly wasn't the time to be lonely. He needed to be getting warm. A doorbell was just beyond his fingertips and all he had to do was press it and surely someone inside would take pity on him. For some reason though, Jonas was still afraid. What if they wouldn't help him, or they called the Police? Jonas couldn't live this way any longer. He'd have to just take the chance.1

Pressing the bell, he heard a cheerful sounding ring emanating from the house, greeted by confused chatter. Everyone inside was asking if they were expecting anyone else. Soon someone answered the door. A round faced woman with a warm way about her, saying, “ Get inside boy, you'll freeze to your death out there!” 2

Confused but pleased Jonas entered the room quickly. As soon as he was inside and the door was closed the questions flew. No one stopped talking until they almost fell over from lack of oxygen. Then everyone closed their mouths and let Jonas talk. 3

“I've come here from another community, trying to fix the place that is my home. There, no one remembers those before them, or loves one another, but no one feels pain either. This boy, Gabriel, was about to be put to death before I left. I stole him away so they wouldn't kill him, but I'm afraid if he doesn't get real care soon he will die despite my efforts. Please help us.” Jonas said.4

“Okay, it'll be fine, just let me make a phone call.” The pleasant seeming woman replied simply. She walked into the other room and picked up the phone. Immediately she dialed 911. The Police on the other end asked her what the problem was. She told them how Jonas had come to their home and how they let him inside, thinking him someone else. She even recalled the outrageous story he told them, and said she saw him stealing things when they turned their backs. 5

The police promptly arrived at their house, having nothing better to take care of in a small town like their own. They removed Jonas from the property and when he ran away they caught him and arrested him. After pushing him into the police car, they drove him down to the jail. He was to be held there until he gave his name and parent's phone number to them. 6

Jonas tried and tried to get them to let him free without his name or number, but they held him. He couldn't tell them those things! Not only did his parents not have a phone, whatever that might be, if he gave his name they would return him to his community right away. He retold his story, and the policemen laughed. 7

“Everyone has memories.” was all they said.  He knew he might be in that cell forever.8