Chapters 16-18

In chapter 16, Kira's feet were bleeding because Forest was giving her a warning. Matty could smell decay and sensed that something terrible was about to happen. Matty saw that bushes overgrew to hide his path. Acidic sap dripped on him everywhere and tormented his arms. It was throbbing and unbearable pain to him but he hid it from Kira. Leader saw that Forest was attacking Matty but did not tell Seer.

In chapter 17, Matty just could not stand the pain. He told Kira the truth and showed her his arm. His arm did not even look human; it was red-hot and swollen. A swamp had grown in front of them and they journeyed through it. Its vines pierced them. After they got through, Kira's feet were completely grotesque. Kira saw Leader coming to rescue them and told Matty.

In chapter 18, Leader told the blind man the truth about what was happening to Matty and Kira. Seer cried out in anguish. Leader left to help Matty and Kira. Seer felt death when he touched the tapestry Kira made for him. He could even smell death.

**Connections**

In The Giver, people cared about each other and were very sad when people were released or about to be released. In The Messenger, it is the same. Leader cared about Matty and Kira, and Seer cared about them, too.