Boy, the end to Delirium is quite the heart-breaker, isn't it? Once Lena finally escapes from the confines of her oppressive totalitarian government, she sees Alex shot right in front of her. Her only choice is to run into the wilds. Talk about a cliffhanger.
Right before she runs, though, Lena's family straps her to a bed because she has the deliria. Her aunt and sister tell her, "someday you'll thank us" (25.97). Um, right. While imprisoned, Lena vows to kill herself if she can't be with Alex. Okay, maybe restraining her is a good idea after all.
The very last words in the book are: "I love you. Remember. They cannot take it" (27.132). These were also Lena's mother's last words to her. Hm.
Who do you think Lena is talking to here? Is she speaking to Alex, letting him know that that she'll always love him no matter what? Or is she provocatively reminding us readers that there are some things the government will never be able to take from us humans, no matter what? Or both? You decide.