The Receiver

Selected

Noah Narration:

Reassuringly she placed her arm across my tense shoulders smiling at me

"Noah has not been assigned" the crowd all looked around wondering what's was going, my hands started to become sweaty but Amelia and Aruther just gave me a reassuring smile, encouraging me.

"Noah has been selected" I couldn't understand what she was saying

"Noah has been selected to be our next receiver of Memory"

The entire community gasped the sudden intake of breath and bewilderment.

"Such a selection is very rare" the Chief Elder told the community

"Our community has only receiver for a very long time"

Following her eyes I saw one elder looking at me. The community of elders sat together with one in the midst but seemed oddly separated.

"We failed in our last selection, It was ten years ago when Noah was just a toddler. I will not dwell on the experience because It caused terrible discomfort"

I was just confused starring at her wondering what she was talking about?

"We have not been hasty this time, we could not afford another failure. We are not entirely certain about the assignments even after the most painstakingly observations. Sometimes we worry that one assigned might not develop through training. What we observed as playfulness and patience. The requirements to become a nurturer. So we continue to observe even during training"

"But the receiver in training cannot be observed, can't be modified. That is stated clearly in the rules. He is to be alone. While he prepared by the current receiver of Memory for the job. Which is most honorable by our community"

"Therefore the selection must be sound. It must be a unanimous choice of the committee. They can have no doubts however fleeting. If during the process an Elder reports a dream of uncertainty, that dream has the power to set a candidate aside instantly"

"Noah was identified as a possible receiver of Memory many years ago, he has shown all of the qualities that a receiver must have"

"Noah, you will be trained to be our next receiver of Memory. We thank you for your childhood"

Then she turned and left the stage with everyone shouting "Noah!" It only got louder as I looked around at everyone I couldn't help but become nervous hoping to not disappoint their expectations.