Although Jonas is able to appreciate the natural surroundings that he encounters on his journey, he is still fearful because he is afraid that he and Gabe will starve to death. The thought crosses his mind that if he'd stayed in the community, he wouldn't be starving from a lack of food. However, he would be starving from a lack of other things that matter in life, including love and freedom. He reaffirms the decision that he made to flee the community. His only sorrow is that he may not be able to save Gabe. Jonas loves Gabe and understands that interdependence between people is necessary and good. He isn't thinking of himself but of Gabe. By saving Gabe, Jonas will be saving himself.
Jonas and Gabe, weakened from a lack of food and living as fugitives, end up in a snowstorm. Luckily, Jonas can recall a memory of sunshine and is able to transmit heat to Gabe, "the one person left for [Jonas] to love." As he did in the dream that he had months earlier, Jonas feels that his destination is not far away, and he feels excited because he knows that he will be welcomed by whomever or whatever awaits him. Carrying Gabe, Jonas trudges up a hill. Finally, they make it to the top. Remembering his parents, sister, and friends, Jonas feels happy despite his situation. At the top of the hill, Jonas finds a sled. He tightly hugs Gabe as they sit on the sled and then begin to go downhill. Jonas sees colored lights in the distance, hears music, and knows that love and joy are at his destination.
