Jonas’ Diary | Justin Jap / 11-CHDP-1
Dear Diary,
My life would never be the same again. Today, the ceremony of twelve, the most important of a
children’s life where they are assigned with each specialized task. I could feel every second that went by
as each of us were called to the stage. One by one received their tasks. Madeline was chosen as a Fish
Hatchery Attendant, Inger as a birtmother, and the assigning continues. My best friend Asher was
chosen as the Assistant Director of Recreation and I couldn’t be any happier for him. Fiona was chosen
with the Assignment of Caretaker of the Old which I already expected. But then my number was next in
line, number 19. But something strange happened that made my heart sunk.
As Fiona took her seat the elder prepares to call out my name, but it didn’t happen. They skipped my
number. My head felt dizzy with my body dazed as the elder continues to assign Pierre, number 20 his
assignment. Then 21, then 22 surely I thought to myself, what have I done wrong? But it was no mistake.
The elder proceeded with my assignment. With my head still filled with confusion the elder mentioned
how I was different with the other children, that I was special, that I fulfill all the qualities needed to
fulfill the task, the Receiver of Memory. I was not prepared and I was sure that it was a mistake. I wasn’t
ready. I told the elder I am not prepared but he did not listen, he left. I was left wondering with
thousands of questions in my head. I feel scared, I feel nervous, I will be alone.
My training starts tomorrow but I’m not looking forward for it. I don’t feel like I have what it takes to be
the next receiver, but I have been assigned. I must do my best and complete my training. We left the
Auditorium, I congratulated my friends and we went home. I can already feel the apartness form my
friends and family. We had our evening meal, both mom and dad kept on congratulating me, saying how
proud they are. They told me a story about the child in training to become the next receiver. She failed
and no one knew where she went. This made me even more uncomfortable.
After we finished I went up to my room and opened my folder. I found a sheet of paper with 8 rules on
it. I found one of the rule very interesting, which is “You may lie”. This rule brought chills down my
spine. I am allowed to tell lies to the community. As a children, we were told to never lie. But then it
came up to me, what if the others also received the same rule? Have I’ve been living a life full of lies? I
will have no way to know for certain. I’ve never been more frightened in my life of what happens
tomorrow. I don’t have what it takes, I never asked to become the receiver, but I have been chosen. I
have no other choice. I must become one or die trying.