-
"When I become a Twleve, I wss selected, as you were. I was frightened, as I am sure you are."
-
"... and my energy is starting to disminish.
"He was tired as I am today." -
"I am not, actually, as old as I look as if I sholuld be scheduled for release very soon. But actually I have a good deal of time left."
-
"Or what if", he went on, almost laughing at the absurdity, "they choose their own jobs?"
"Frightening, isn't it?" The Giver said.
Jonas chuckled. "Very frightening. I can't even imagine it. Ee really have to protect people from wrong choices"
"It's safer." -
But The Giver had encouraged all of his questions,not seeming to be embarrassed or offended by even the most personal. The Giver chuckle. "No, there's no rule against it. And I did have spouse. You're forgetting how old I am Jonas. My formers spouse lives now with the Childless Adults."
-
"But you have to suffer like that all the time." Jonas pointed.
The Giver nodded. "And you will. It's my life. It will be yours." -
"It's just that... without the memories it's all meaningless. They gave that burned to me. And to the previous Reciver. And the one beforehim."
-
"Go," The Giver would tell him tensely. "I am in pain today. Come back tomorrow."
-
"The decision was made long before my time or yours,"The Giver said, "and before my time or yours, and-" He waited.
-
"I want you to come,Giver, Jonas pleaded.
"No. I have to stay here," The Giver said firmly. "I want to, Jonas. If I go with you, and together we take away all their protection from memories, Jonas, the community will be left with no one to help them. They will destroy themelves. I can't go."
