"Children choose wisely," a lady assures children with a bold smile on her face.
The room is filled with a mixture of different thoughts and feelings. Some children look anxious and some are enthusiastic. As I take a deep breath in my nose to comfort myself, I sense the aroma of red roses lightening my mood.
Marcus walks in the center of the hall with a fine smile on his face.
Everyone starts staring at him and stops muttering.
Marcus says through his microphone, "Welcome to the Choosing Ceremony. Welcome to the day we honour the democratic philosophy of our ancestors, which tells us that every man has the right to choose his own way in this world." Marcus is leading the choosing ceremony on the behalf of Abnegation.
Marcus continues,"This day we will receive our new initiative, who will work with us toward a better society and a better world."
A round of applause fills the atmosphere. I took a deep breath in and out to control my heartbeat from racing. Getting ready for the upcoming events where every person will choose their faction including my children. I know my children will choose to be in Abnegation and will live with us forever.
"James Tucker," Marcus calls out the first name. James Tucker is from the Dauntless faction and he chose to live in the Candor faction. The first faction transfer. A mutter rises from the Dauntless section, and I feel speechless.
The room is constantly moving, a new name and person choosing, a new knife and a new choice made every time.
"Caleb Prior," says Marcus. My heart beat starts to beat faster, I could hear my heartbeat pounding. I watch carefully as Caleb walks away to the center. His hands are steady as they accept the knife from Marcus, and are deft as one presses the knitle into another. Then he stands with blood pooling in his palm, and his lips snag on his teeth.
I breathe out slowly watching Caleb holding his hand. He pours his blood in an Erudite bowl. His blood dips into the water, turning it a deeper shade of red.
My bottom jaw drops down and my eyes widen with this sight. My son chose Erudite, why? How can he leave us? I feel heat rising from me, my eyes feel red. This can't be true.
I lower my head down with disbelief.
"Quiet, please!" The room goes silent. Except for a ringing sound. I wipe my sweat over my head from the corner of my sleeve.
"Beatrice Prior," Marcus calls out.
I try to concentrate on the ceremony.
Beatrice's footsteps falter as she walks towards the center. Marcus offers her a knife. She holds the knife and turns toward the bowls. Dauntless fire and Abnegation stone are both on her left. She holds the knife in her right hand and touches the blade to her palm. She drags the blade down and stings. She thrusts her arm out. Her blood drips onto the carpet between two bowls.
I feel hopeful that she is going to choose Abnegation. Instead, she shifts her hand forward and her blood sizzles on the coals.
She chose to be hellions. Is this a dream? My son and daughter are no longer going to live with us. I don't blink my eyes. I can't even breathe. I tried to stop my tears from sprinkling out of my eyes.
Beatrice shifts her head towards me, making eye contact. Her eyes are searching for my reaction. I just stare at her one last time, controlling all my emotions.