NHS Ceremony

Tonight was the induction for the newest members to join NHS. I remember my own induction ceremony quite clearly. I was very nervous I would slip or fall on the stage. I sort of shuffled out into the spotlight, blinking at its harsh glare. I carefully shook hands with each one of the people lined up on the stage. The scent of smoke from the five candles resting in the center of the stage swept around me, and tendrils of it could be seen snaking through the glow of the lights. I then grabbed a candle and pledge and we all came up onto the stage to recite the NHS pledge together. Our candles had been made of wax, so as time went on, it began to melt like cheese in an oven. Liquid wax slowly spread down the edges of the candle in a waterfall, dripping mercilessly onto my fingers. I gulped back my exclamation of pain, refraining from the urge to snuff out the candle instantly. Not wanting to embarrass myself on stage, I merely continued to hold the candle gingerly and finish the pledge. After we were finished, and the candles had been put away, I carefully scraped some of the remaining wax from my fingers, wishing that the candles had been electric. This year, they were! I'm glad none of the new members got burning wax all over their hands- that is always a plus.