I think that Jonas is dead, because on the other side of the hill I think it is Elsewhere (heaven). Jonas escaped the community because he and the Giver wanted the people to feel and/or have emotions and feelings. In generations back it never happened, but in the memories “it has not always been” like that. They think it’s possible that the community will always and forever have memories/feelings. The Giver always thought that it was hopeless, but Jonas made him think differently. When Rosemary was released, all her memories were given to the community. That’s why I think Jonas will go to heaven (die), than his memories will be released to the community. But the Giver will help them control it, and hopefully help them keep it (memories and feelings). Jonas brought Gabriel with him, because Gabriel was being scheduled for release and Jonas cared for him. I know that Jonas bringing Gabriel to heaven still means that Gabriel will be dead. But I think Jonas wanted to spend his last moments with him. Jonas didn’t regret on going to Elsewhere, because he said that if he stayed in the community, his life wouldn’t be worth living. Towards the end of their journey, Jonas felt memories of joy, and got a memory of his own, that he knew he could keep. Jonas and Gabriel were about to enter Elsewhere! They heard music and saw lights, someone or something was singing. I think the angels were calling them. Gabriel’s name means “messenger of God”, so I thought that could also mean angel. So I thought since Jonas has been caring for Gabriel so much, Gabriel wanted to return the favour by bringing Jonas to heaven. That’s why I think Jonas died, but in a happy way by going to heaven with Gabriel.