Jonas sat contented in the Givers room like all the other days since his training began. So far, the day's memories had been enhoyable; picnics, nature walk through forest in autumn, and other peaceful experiences he would never encounter in the dull, "perfect" community he had lived in for his whole life, about 12 years. But this night was about to become one of the most complicated nights of h is training.

"Jonas", the Giver said in a bit of a trouble woice. "Before you dpart today, I feel I must share with you a most painful memory." Jonas's heart lurched with fear, but he outwardly composed himself and gave the Giver a polite "ok". But would it be "ok"? Last time the Giver had warned him of a "painful memory" he learned about the horrors of disease. Jonas couldn't keep the gruesome images of coughing, vomiting, dying adults and children out of his head for weeks and he really didn't think he would be able to endure another traumatizing experience like that one again.

"Are you ready Jonas", the Giver whispered. Jonas nodded grimly, lyed face-down on the Givers bed
and braced for any misery this memory might bring him...