The giver

Assignment (22)

She began to describe this year's group and it variety of personalities, though she singled no one out by name

She mentioned that there was one who had singular skills at caretaking another who loved new children, one with unusual scientific skills and a fourth for whom physical labor was an obvious pleasure.

I shifted in my seat trying to recognize each references as one of my group mates. As I looked over to Mason he was probably doing the same just like couple of others.

The caretaking skills were no doubt those of Mary, I remembered noticing the tenderness with which she had bathed the Old.

Probably the one with scientific aptitude was Ethan, the male who had devised new important equipment for the rehabilitation Center.

I couldn't figure which one I would get

Finally the Chief Elder paid tribute to the hard work of her committee, which had performed the observations so meticulously all year

The Committee of Elders stood and was acknowledged by applause

Then at last the Chief Elder called number one to the stage, and the Assignments began

Each Announcement was lengthy accompanied by a speech directed at the new Twelve, I tried to pay attention as One, smiling happily received her Assignment as Fish Hatchery Attendant along with words of praise for her childhood spent doing many volunteer hours there, and her obvious interest in the importance process of providing nourishment for the community.

Number one returned, finally amidst applause, to her seat, wearing the new badge that designated her fish hatchery Attendant

I was certainly glade that Assignment was taken; I wouldn't have wanted it, but I congratulate her

When Two, a female named Inger received her Assignment as birth mother, I remembered that my mother called it a job without honor. But I thought that Committee chosen well.

Inger was a nice girl though somewhat lazy, and her body was strong. She would enjoy the three years of being pampered that would follow her brief training; she would give birth easily and well; and the task of Laborer that would follow would use her strength, keep her healthy, and impose self discipline.

Inger was smiling when she resumed her seat

Birth mother was an important job, if lacking in prestige

Mason looked calm compared to others, some were turning their heads and glancing around until the group leader gave them a silent chastisement, a motion to sit still and face forward

Three was given an Assignment as Instructed of sixes, which obviously pleased him and was well deserved

Now there was three assignments gone, none of them was ones I wanted

I couldn't imagine myself as a birth mother

I tried to sort through the list in my mind, the possible assignments that remained, but there was so many I gave up

Now it was Mary turn, I paid strict attention as my friend went to the stage and stood self consciously beside the Chief Elder