23

As night falls, Jonas senses Elsewhere ahead despite seeing only a winding, empty road. Snow begins, and Gabriel, weak and shivering, barely responds. Jonas opens his tunic, presses Gabriel to his chest, and identifies the falling whiteness as snow, recalling its name from memory.

Confronted by a steep, snow-choked hill, Jonas abandons the stalled bicycle and resists the temptation to collapse. Wondering if any memories remain, he reaches for warmth. After a fleeting moment of selfish desire to keep the heat, Jonas chooses to Give, sending the memory’s warmth into Gabriel so they both revive briefly.

Jonas trudges upward, repeatedly falling back into cold as each scrap of warmth fades. He regrets not receiving more heat from the Giver but focuses on moving, sharing, and surviving. With each short-lived memory, Gabriel stirs and Jonas gains just enough strength to continue the climb.

Nearing the summit, Jonas grows no warmer or stronger, yet unexpected happiness surges. He recalls his parents, Lily, Asher, Fiona, and the Giver, and a sustaining, personal memory settles within him. Certain there is warmth and light ahead, he hugs Gabriel and presses on through the storm.

At the crest, guided by deep inner knowledge, Jonas finds a sled waiting. He mounts it, holding Gabriel close, and descends. As they speed downward, Jonas sees colored lights from homes where families share love and memories. Hearing music and feeling sure they are awaited, he rides toward Elsewhere, the future opening before them.