The Receiver

Description (9)

Amelia Narration:
Volunteer work:

I mostly volunteered at the Nurturing Center, but sometimes I did join Aruther at the house of the elderly, cleaning them.

Aruther is quite the fun type, so I was always surprised whenever he suggested going.

Aruther frequently fooled around and made serious work a little difficult. But in some ways, it was quite refreshing. Most people took everything seriously, so having Aruther around lightened the mood.

Today Noah was joining us, so I glanced at the door, wondering when he would come. But Aruther just told me not to worry about it.

House of the Old a facility, is where elderly people reside and are cared for by Caretakers. droning on speaking continuously; chattering idly. hoarded selfishly accumulated.

A Caretaker is a person who cares for the elderly in the House of the Old. But people also volunteered to bathe them.

Each room in the facility was comfortable and furnished with thick carpeting. with them talking to each other, or some had visitors.

The facility was slow- paced compared to the busy center of manufacture and distribution of the daily work of the community.

I think that's why Aruther enjoyed it so much, because he had no adults bossing him around or telling him what to do.

I often enjoyed going because of the stories they told, always making it sound like they had a wonderful life. I even wonder what my life would be like in 10 years and if I would one day be telling my stories.

Finally, I heard Noah talking to one of the caregivers, and not too long after, he entered. He removed his tunic and hung it carefully on the wall hook before putting on his volunteer smock that was folded on a shelf.

Unlike Aruther, who was busy, I was the only one who turned around and waited for him.

When we were children, I often had a crush on him, with Aruther always teasing me, but now I was just fine with being friends.

"Hi jonas!" Aruther spoke up, and I just gave a simple smile to him, with him doing the same.

Soon I turned back around, focusing on cleaning the woman in front of me. They had delicate skin, so we had to be careful not to give them bruises.

Noah got to work and went to the row of padded lounging chairs where others were waiting.

He soon picked a man, and he started preparing the bathe for him, filling it up before helping him in. Taking off his robe in the process.

Nakedness was against the rules for children or adults to look at another's nakedness, but the rule did not apply to new children or the old.

At that time, Noah looked over and I quickly turned around, hoping he hadn't noticed. Everyone knew I had some hidden feelings for him, except Noah himself.

The person with whom I was bathing was already asleep, so I had time to think to myself. I often felt a sense of safety when I was here.

This morning, a person was released. They told everyone his entire life before releasing him. I always found it amazing and wished I could have attended but it was only for elders.

Eventually I was done and I stretched before helping the next person out.