Memory Girl by Linda Joy Singleton

quickly and he lifts his head, once again smiling. “As I was saying, we are a strong society, but societies can’t thrive without growth.” He sweeps his hand toward us. “Our youths bring hope for the future.”
    Applause echoes so loudly that I long to cover my ears.
    â€œI hold fifteen tiles in this bag, each representing a Family who will welcome a youth,” Grand Sarwald declares. “The first Family to Choose is ….”
    Tensing, I hold my head high and struggle to hide the fear from my face. I am torn between wanting it over and wishing time would stop.
    If aging can stop, why not time?
    When Grand Sarwald pulls out a tile bearing his own Family name, I am not surprised (nor, I suspect, is anyone in the audience). I’m glad for Marcus, who proudly steps forward to announce his new Name: Neil Sarwald.
    Once Marcus, it’s hard to think of him as Neil, leaves the stage with a tall dark-skinned woman who wears her hair in a tight knot on her head, the room goes silent.
    I’m holding my breath. Waiting …
    Another tile drawn. The Candras Family.
    Agnes Candras
, I think with a rise of hope. One of the Names from Marcus’s list. If I’m called, I’ll have a Name ready for this Family.
    Leader Candras, a rounded woman with wispy sun-streaked hair, steps up to the podium. She glances at the booklets with our information then moves toward us. I remind myself,
You’re going to be last
.
    With a lift of her arm, Leader Candras points to Jane, a shy, freckled girl who is a skilled swimmer. “I Choose you,” Leader Candras says, not using the youth name because “Jane” no longer exists.
    Formerly Jane jumps excitedly. This is the Family she hoped for.
    â€œHave you Chosen a Name?” Leader Candras asks the traditional question.
    I hold my breath, waiting for Jane’s answer. Watching the Celebraze unfold is stunning—not a lesson anymore but real life.
    Jane shows no hesitation as she declares herself. “Hillari Candras.” I know of Agnes Candras but all I recall of Hillari Candras is her death from falling from a high window.
    Another tile is drawn.
    I cross my fingers, hoping it’s not Sanchez or Treveno, so my top choices are last. Like I will be.
    But Leader Sanchez is next, and he Chooses Merry. Never one to wait until the last minute for studying, Merry is quick with her Choice: Vesper Sanchez.
    The Sanchez Family sits in the front, so I’m able to watch Merry (oops, Vesper) being welcomed. A woman hugs her, tears streaming down her face as she ties a scarf around Vesper’s head. A man offers Vesper a lily bouquet and anotherwoman gifts Vesper with a wrapped box. Many arms reach to embrace Vesper. So much love and acceptance …. My heart tightens.
    Only one Name remaining from Marcus’ list.
    I clench my hands into fists at my sides, relieved each time a name is called that isn’t Treveno. Our line grows smaller as several more youths are led down the aisle to join their new Families.
    When the Hu Family is called, I’m sure they’ll select a boy since most of their Lost Ones had strenuous roles tending livestock. No surprise when Leader Hu points to Bob, who becomes Benjamin Hu. His welcome is boisterous, back-slapping with whoops of joy. A sparrow-like dark-haired woman embraces him so passionately I suspect she’s his wife.
    Next Charles becomes Kirk Dallows, and I’m sorry for him because I know he hoped to join the Hu Family. Polly becomes January Salazar. Asha is Noelle Burrecia. Simon is Tyler Jones. And Barbara is Chosen by the Hale Family, but she’s too nervous to remember a Name, so her new Family Chooses for her: Alexandria Hale. I remember Alexandria’s gruesome death—while practicing fencing, a sword pierced her heart.
    Lorelei shines brighter than night stars when she’s Chosen by the Ying Family. Her top choice! Graces good!
    Only three youths