He wondered what lay in the far distance where he had never gone. The land didn’t end beyond those nearby communities. Were there hills Elsewhere? Were there vast wind-torn areas like the place he had...
It was against the rules for children or adults to look at another’s nakedness; but the rule did not apply to newchildren or the Old. Jonas
Jonas looked at her. She was so lovely. For a fleeting instant he thought he would like nothing better than to ride peacefully along the river path, laughing and talking with his gentle female friend....
Jonas repeated it. Love. It was a word and concept new to him.
Jonas: 'I do understand that it wouldn't work very well. And that it's much better to be organized the way we are now. I can see that it was a dangerous way to live.' ...'Still,' he said slowly, almos...
Most of the people on the night crew had not even been given spouses because they lacked, somehow, the essential capacity to connect to others, which was required for the creation of a family unit.
My best friend—her name was Helena—lived in that house. Sometimes I used to spend the night with her. But more often she came to my house, on weekends. It was more fun to be in the country.
Once, back in the time of the memories, everything had a shape and size, the way things still do, but they also had a quality called COLOR.
Some of those who had been among the most industrious, the kindest, and the most stalwart citizens of Village now went to the platform and shouted their wish that the border be closed so that 'we' (Ma...
The man corrected him. Honor, he said firmly. I have great honor. So will you. But you will find that that is not the same as power.
The noise level subsided, as if people were distracted with
Thinking of those times as he passed the cemetery on his way to the evening’s festivities, Gabe recalled the day Matty’s body had been found and carried home. Gabe had been young then, only eight, a r...
This is the time, she began, looking directly at them, when we acknowledge differences. You Elevens have spent all your years till now learning to fit in, to standardize your behavior, to curb any imp...
This new Caleb was a replacement child. The couple had lost their first Caleb, a cheerful little Four.
We’re required to learn to swim but we’re not allowed in the river, she found herself telling him.
What's his comfort object called? Lily asked, picking up thestuffed creature which had been placed beside the newchild in hisbasket.Father glanced at it. Hippo, he said.Lily giggled at the strange wor...
A contributing citizen to be released from the community was a final decision, a terrible punishment, an overwhelming statement of failure.
All of the citizens had been ordered to go into the nearest building and stay there. IMMEDIATELY, the rasping voice through the speakers had said. LEAVE YOUR BICYCLES WHERE THEY ARE.
And we have been told that they may come tonight
Children all received their bicycles at Nine; they were not allowed to ride bicycles before then.
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