hey guys! well, i had to write an epilogue for "The Giver", written by Lois Lowry, for my 8th grade literature class. i thought it was pretty good, so i thought i'd post it to see what you guys think! no trollin please, it might not be very good because this is my first time writing an official persective writing assignment. well, here goes.

--------

The only reason that I had awoken was because a faint sound of explosions in the distance shook me awake. Soon after, I could hear Gabriels frantic crying. I was still uneasily groggy from my midday slumber. I cringed at the touch of the uncomfortable, freezing steel resting against my entire backside. I heard Gabriel shriek again, and then go silent. My eyes shot open. I wanted nothing more than to pull a pillow over my head and cuddle with some sort of comfort object. Though I soon realized I couldnt. I had gotten Gabe this far, I couldnt give up on him now. Then I heard a very shrill squeal. This was like no other; it was louder...higher pitched.

Im coming Gabriel! I screamed as I leaped off the shiny, silver bed. I then realized that I had nothing but my undergarments on. I sprinted into the other room to find that it was only filled with more vast space, emptiness. The walls of the shelter were lined with rows upon rows of various weapons that Id never seen before. I recognized a slim few of them from the wisp of the memory of war that Id received back in the community. These though, were more advanced than the ones Id seen before. My hand trembled as I outstretched my arm to grasp these newfound resources. Dont touch those. I heard from the other side of the room. For just a split second, I froze and it seemed as if time itself had frozen. Those very words hung in the empty, humid air, suspending from every molecule it could possibly grasp. I turned as soon as I could, but by then someone was already lunging forward at me. I grabbed the nearest weapon and pointed it toward the man. He was holding a weapon too, though mine looked deadlier. I didnt know how to use it, but I could assume that I looked dangerous. Hopefully I looked just a little intimidating...

Lets just agree to both lower our guns...I dont want any fighting. Lord knows we have enough of that. He spoke with such gentleness, I almost felt safe with him in this room. Then I remembered that he still had Gabe. Wheres Gabe! I yelled. Nobody wants to challenge a screaming, possibly delusional kid with a gun. The man started to stutter. His mind froze and his voice trembled. It was as if he had shut himself down completely. I said where is Gabe? If I have to repeat myself again, I will shoot. I was hoping that in the back of his mind somewhere, he really thought Id shoot. I hoped it didnt come to that, because I had no idea what I was doing. Gabriel is upstairs...our best workers are helping him. There is nothing to worry about, Jonas. What could they mean that they were helping him? What could he need help with? What do you mean youre helping him? What was wrong with him?

Well...when we found you, we thought youd been hit with an explosive. For one, we have trip mines set up all around the premises of our community. Also, weve been at war for a few months, so anything could happen. We came to discover that you were not blown to smithereens, but youre tiny friend was near death. We took you people in and started going to work as soon as we could. Honestly, you should be thanking me now. Everythings alright though. I understand your fear. Well, if youre feeling up to it, one of the helpers and I would like to talk to you about everything. Ill have to assume that, though, since youre holding a gun to my head.

The older mans name was Sebastian Connor. Apparently they had last names in Elsewhere. He took me to a small, aquamarine blue room. He handed me a new pair of trousers, a tunic with its sleeves cut halfway off, and something Id never seen before. It looked as if someone had taken a regular tunic and put something to cover your head on the back of it. Sebastian called this item a sweatshirt.

After he led me to the dressing room, he took me back downstairs. Ill need to reload my pistol if were to cross the town. Never know what might happen these days. As those soft spoken words drifted out of his wrinkled mouth, he seemed to drop into a lower tone. He seemed to be gloomier, as if certain sadness had made its way over him, coating him like a bucket of paint. Sebastian, what is this youve been talking about? It seems that half Ive heard from you so far is about some sort of war...is there something happening right now? He paused. Once again, time had stood still. He stopped reloading his gun, he stopped frantically tapping his foot, and he stopped breathing. He did all of this just because I asked him that simple question. Jonas, I cant explain it to you right now. We need to leave...soon. Go around the corner and grab one of the pistols and a rifle for myself. I glanced at him and accidentally pulled a double take. I had no idea what he just said. Whats a rifle? Whats a pistol? What are all these other things? He put his hand up, as if to force me backwards. Perhaps he just wanted to quiet me down. Jonas, this is not the twenty questions! Never mind what I said, Ill grab them. Tell you what...go gather your things and wait for me over by the steps. I nodded my head and quickly followed his orders. The community had strict punishment for incompliance. I scurried off to my steel bed to realize that all I had left was my beaten up tunic. I wasnt sure if I should take it, but I did anyways. Sebastian trudged around the corner, two pistols and a rifle in his hands. Take one of the smaller ones and wrap your tunic around it. Lets go.

I followed his fierce order and hopped up the stairs. I was surprised at myself for having such strength after Gabriel and Is journey. Sebastian led us on, like a mother duckling leading her duckling. He led us through hallways filled with tacky dcor and ugly wall paper. I felt like I was walking through the House of the Old. We continually passed a man dressed in all black who had the same set of weapons as Sebastian, and they would wave hello to him, and glare at me. Did I cause this? Did I cause this so called phenomenon that Sebastian has been hinting at? I thought Elsewhere would be better, somewhere that people would care about me.

I followed Sebastian through a small door marked Infirmary. This is where Gabriel is being kept. Ill have our doctor inform you on his health. Do you have any information on him? I couldnt remember anything. Ever since the memories flowed out to the community and became but a wisp in the back of my mind, all my thoughts have been scrambled. I honestly dont remember much of anything...not only has a lot happened recently, but my head is scrambled. For reasons you most likely wouldnt understand or care to know. He looked at me with sort of a crooked smile, like something I said was inaccurate. He stared into me now, observing my every move. His smile was now fixed. Jonas, we know everything about you.

He looked intimidating with his almost vicious smile. He looked as if he were ready to pounce on me at any moment. He didnt, though. He swiveled his creepy body back to the counter. How are you doing to today Nancy? Id like to see number 328832. Also, I need to see Doctor Phillips. Is he in today? He spoke asking her questions, but it was apparent that he didnt want an answer. He wanted it to be a very quick job. That was the simple mission, get in and get out, as quickly as possible. She spoke with such a light tone. She not only sounded exhausted, but she looked like she hadnt slept in days. The indigo bags under her eyes stained her face, warning everyone not to ask any useless questions. Yes sir, he is in today. Ill page him and tell him to meet you in the patients room. She relaxed her smile when she reserved back to filing through her records, though she looked like she had a permanent smile plastered to her face when she spoke to anyone. Sebastian started to walk away; he apparently knew where he was going. I spoke softly so that he wouldnt hear me. His name is Gabriel. She looked at me, bewildered. Patient number 328832, his name is Gabriel. Hes the one I came here with. I brought him with me. We were found at the bottom of the hill and taken to some sort of shelter... Just as I was about to explain everything to a confused looking lady that Id just met, Sebastian came back along. Im terribly sorry Nurse Nancy. Hes delusional, I guess. Ha, maybe we should be getting him checked out! They both shared a small chuckle, waved goodbye to each other, and Nancy continued her nonsense work. Jonas, dont talk to anyone. They dont know you came from the community. They arent supposed to know. Only a few of them can know of your true past, okay? I shook my head yes and continued down the hall with him.

We came upon a small room. It had no signal of being the cell of Gabriel, but Sebastian waltzed in. I trailed behind, trying my best to look as casual as I could. I heard a machine making an annoying beeping sound and random clanking throughout the room. A tall, stocky man wearing a white robe was standing next to a long, narrow bed. It looked about as comfortable as my bed. Hello, Doctor Phillips. Hows our strong, little man? I tried moving back and forth, but the man was in my way. He spoke with an odd accent. I remembered from one of the memories that it was called British. Hes doing great. Hes made a full recovery so far, just a few bumps, bruises, and scrapes. Hows our tougher, bigger man? I assumed he was talking about me, so I stepped forward. His face grew dim, and then brightened up again. Jonas...I havent seen you in... Sebastian cut in. Ahem. He glared at the doctor and gave him a subtle hint to shut up. Understood. Well, Jonas, I believe you probably want a moment alone with Gabriel. Well leave you alone, but you need to be ready to go in a few minutes. Dont worry, though. Gabriel has made a full recovery. Weve made full arrangements to have Gabriel travel with you for the day. Well leave you alone now. Just come out when youre ready. I nodded my head. Ive become less polite in my time being the Receiver, I guess. I waited till I heard the door close shut, concealing me and Gabe to be alone for a few moments, shutting us out from the rest of the world for a few moments. All the hate, the war.

Gabriel, I told you wed make it. Thanks for having faith in me, little buddy. You really helped me out this time. Im so glad we survived...well, you at least. Im not sure what I would have done without you. I closed my arms around his small, slender body, pulling him close. Lets get out of here, okay? Itll be just me and you again soon enough, dont worry. I sidestepped to the door, keeping one eye on Gabe and one eye on the door. I opened it up and told the doctor I was ready. He came in, unplugged all the small cables connected to Gabriels pale body, and took him to a small table. He dressed him in a small set of clothing; similar to mine, it was only different by the shoes. He had moccasins, I had boots. We signed him out and trudged off, stepping into the lobby. We were once more by Nancy. She stared at me one last time, and our eyes locked to each other. She looked curious, even slightly frightened of me. Why does everyone think Im odd?

We walked into the main lobby, the location of multiple glass doors. We stepped outside and Sebastian slowed his steps down slightly. First rule; dont just walk outside in this town. I was confused by this rule, but it was understood. Sebastian was worried, so I should be too. We continued to find a car waiting for us. There was a spot for Sebastian in the front, a spot for me in the back, and a spot for Gabriel. His car seat was right next to my seat, I could look over him while we were in the car. Lets go. We need to get Gabriel and Jonas there as fast as we can.

I didnt pay attention to much of the outside during the car ride. I was playing with Gabriel. My spirits lifted a little higher with every cooing sound he made when I tickled his feet. After around ten minutes of dreadful a car ride through the still, motionless streets of this new city, I asked where we were. Were almost there. Itll only be a couple more minutes. I listened carefully. Sebastian was very paranoid. Even inside the car, he stayed incredibly alert; ready for whatever came for us. We had nothing to fear though. The few minute drive sped by as we pulled up to the tall building. This is it. Get out and carry Gabe. Lets go.

We entered the building and walked to the front desk. I felt like everyone was looking at me. Everyone was so nicely dressed. Suits, skirts, and I was in such casual clothing. I shooed the feeling off and continued forward. I couldnt make out what Sebastian said to the lady at the desk. He spoke in a very low, monotonous tone. All I knew is that before long, we were walking again. We walked down a long hallway to find a small dome shaped opening that made a constant whirring sound. Like something was sliding up and down. When the doors flung open, it startled me. In the community, you had to open doors. I had become lost in thought on the way up.

What if all this was my fault? There were planes going back and forth on my way over here, and there was a war going on. What if theyd tortured the Giver with the thought of release? What he had given up where I was? Wait, thats inaccurate. He didnt know where I was anymore. Id left without telling him. The community wouldnt harm another nation for no reason, so I had nothing to worry about. Nothing was my fault. Or was it?
I came back to my senses when a tall, tan girl with pale eyes, like mine had stood in front of me. Nothing hit me until she spoke to me and introduced herself. Hello Jonas, my name is Rosemary. Weve been waiting for you. Weve been waiting for quite a while now. Lets go into the other room, we have quite a bit to think about. I followed her into a small room lined with beautiful wallpaper. It had pictures of a young man, also with pale eyes, and a young girl. She had a single picture of a small newchild, just born, with pale eyes. He looked slightly like me, but so did all the boys with pale eyes. It was more of a trend than a coincidence. Well Jonas, you may or may not know that we are at war. I figured I should tell you why. Youre older, you deserve to know.
Over 13 years ago, I had a child. The community tracked me for various reasons. Mainly because I was the failure, but also because I was an important part of their plan. They wanted to spread the peace and make another community, similar to ours. They wanted me to colonize this new community. I agreed, but my father did not. So, we made the plan to get me out. I assume he told you all about that. Well, I had a child and I wasnt supposed to. The community took him and made him their own. Like he was just another child. But he wasnt, he was special. I was lost in her eyes. Shed only spoken but a few words to me, but her eyes seemed to tell me her entire story. I started to think, memories were coming back to me now. Memories of great pleasure, being with a mother that really loved me, and I felt the love. I stared deep into her eyes, trying to analyze my thoughts. Her speech slowed and she started to think. She began to whimper, then cry. She began looking at me and drowning herself out with cries of terror. Jonas, you were that child! They took you away from me! They knew that somehow, you knew that you were mine. They tried to conceal you, but it didnt work. You came back, and they knew exactly where you were coming. Since youve gotten here, theyve terrorized our community. They wont give up. Jonas, we need to figure this out! I started crying too. Tears of joy flooded my face, I found that someone that truly loved me. I found the feeling Id been seeking for the longest time. I stood up, ran to her, and hugged her. I held onto her as tightly as I could. Nothing could separate us, except what would come next.

The building begun to rumble, the skies roared, the table in which held a stack of papers trembled. We all ducked in cover. The room grew with terror. Jonas! You deserve to know the truth! Im your mother, Sebastian is your father! We wanted you back here, so we sent Gabriel as a sign to come back. Everything happened because we wanted it to go that way. I love you. If we die today, we die together. As a family. We all huddled together. Mom, Dad, Gabriel, and me. All together, for the first time. And soon to be the last.

We all huddled together under the table. It cracked and trembled over our heads as the roaring continually became louder. The bombs hit the building and rained down. Some piled the floors on top of us down on our backs, some exploded upon impact. The last thing I remember is grabbing a bloody Gabriel and holding him tight. I love you, Gabriel. You too Mom and Dad. The bombs struck and killed us all. The building fell and everyone in it was crushed. I should be sad, but Im not. This entire time Ive been the Receiver and made it to Elsewhere and been on this journey, nothing has changed. I was confused about my feelings before, I still am. Though I know why Im not sad this time. I know that I died knowing the truth. I died knowing love and that I found what Id been seeking the entire time. I was happy, I died with my family. The people who actually loved me.