Dear Fiona,
These past few days, I have been trying to make a decision, but now I have come to a conclusion. I am going to Elsewhere. I have finally realized that this society that we live in is, regimented. We have no color, no emotions, no music, NOTHING! But you don't know all these things, so you have a different perspective on this decision. Elsewhere has everything I have been looking for ages, freedom and choice. These two things are the prime reasons as to why I am leaving. I know you must be wondering about my training as a Receiver Of Memory why I am leaving, and this letter will explain everything. I also give you permission to read this with Asher.
Being the Receiver of Memory was such a honour, but it wasn't all fun and games. Do you remember at the Ceremony of Twelves, where the Chief Elder told everyone that I would feel pain during my duration as a Receiver Of Memory? Well, she was right and as the Giver transferred the memories to me, I felt all of these different kinds of emotions that I have never felt before. My favourite one was when the Giver gave me his favourite memory. It was about a family, a real family, celebrating Christmas, a holiday that they celebrate. And as I was experiencing it, I realized something. This so-called society we live in, has nothing. I was thinking about asking to be released but the Giver told me a story about a girl called Rosemary. She was also a Receiver Of Memory. She had asked to be released because the memories were too much for her. From this story, I could feel her pain because I have felt the same way before. The rule, here in our society, states that I wasn't allowed to ask to be released because of Rosemary. This is why I was forced to flee (page 163). Rosemary was the Giver's daughter and when she was granted her wish of being released, he had finally realized how much he loved her and now he misses her dearly. Love was the one feeling I felt was my favourite feeling. It is something so precious, I think it's too good to be true. Do you realize something Fiona? THERE COULD BE LOVE! (page 129) But our society doesn't have it. This is a brief reason as to why I had to go find a place that had what I wanted, love. So I have decided to go to Elsewhere. But you do not know why, now do you. Well, the rest of this letter will explain it.
Though I have introduced the topic very briefly at the beginning, I do not think you know the real reason as to why I am leaving. I have many reasons, but all tie together as one. It is very simple, I feel our society does not have what I want and possibly need. I feel so horrible about it but yet at the same time, I think this is the right decision for me to make. Being a Receiver Of Memory, I have felt many emotions and it has been a big part of why I am going to flee away. Another reason why I have made this difficult decision is that there is nothing in this society. During my assigned job, I have sensed three things; feelings, music and color. I know that Elsewhere has all these things, while our society does not. Feelings are something that everyone should have, but sadly our society is so controlled, they haven't given us the chance to. Though the Giver has asked me not to leave, I must go. I must go as this society is not my ideal one.
I hope to hear from you when I am in Elsewhere and I bid you farewell Fiona.
Jonas
