a/n: So I read the Giver and noticed a character mentioned but never really explored. Even though she was a background character, I still thought it would be fun to go into her story a bit. After all, her assignment was a Birthmother.

I bit my lip slightly as the Chief Elder began to approach the end of her speech; glad that to my left, Madeline fidgeted also. No, not glad, I scolded myself silently, for that was not precise language. Glad would imply that I enjoyed her discomfort, and that would've been rude of me. Relieved, I decided as I watched her twiddle her thumbs, was the correct word for this situation. I was relieved to not be the only one that was anxious of the upcoming event.

Noticing Madeline however, only made me more curious to the nature of my other group-mates. Where they as nervous as I was? As I was in the front row, I couldn't see much of the others without turning completely around, an act that would've been thought rude. So I settled for those in my row instead, sneaking quick glances at their faces while the Chief Elder spoke.

Isaac, the boy to my right, was focused intently on the speech. So much so that I immediately felt guilty for not paying more attention to the words spoken. He didn't look anxious at all, I noticed with a frown; and he seemed to have no worries about his assignment. It just didn't seem right that I might be the only one who felt nervous. So even though people were beginning to notice my squirming, I didn't sit back as I should have. Instead, I threw another glance around at the others, hoping to see some sign of anxiousness in them.

Asher, the boy sitting one over from Isaac, saw my searching and threw me a reassuring smile. I answered it with one of my own, a smile turned genuine when I saw his fidgeting hands. Relief came to me as it became apparent that, he too, was nervous. I turned back to flash another smile, this time grateful, when I noticed that his expression had changed. Instead of reassuring, his look was now one of urgency. Confused, I shot him a questioning look, only to get a few mouthed words. Squinting over Isaac, I leaned a little closer to see what he said.

'Pay Attention,' I read just as realization dawned on me.

Oh!

Turning forward as quickly as I dared, I tuned into the Chief Elder's words just in time. Madeline sat down next to me, beaming about the assignment I hadn't heard. I smiled for her but couldn't keep it for long. The Chief Elder faced me, preparing to speak me into adulthood. Inwardly, I thanked Asher with all of my being, not wanting to know what would have happened otherwise.

"Now it is time for Inger to know her place,"

She gave me a truly warm smile, though it did little to heal my nerves, and gestured for me to approach the stage. I winced at my name, as it was one I had never truly liked, but did not dare deny her. Shakily I stood up to receive my future, biting my lip as I wondered what it held for me.