“I really can’t stress the importance of the agricultural work, livestock tending, and the benefits of doing so. We’ve been prioritizing housing for people willing to do so, pay, access to resources like television and community centers, free trains into the city…”

“I know what you want us to do,” Uncle said. “But if you want to move things along, don’t give me a sales pitch. Tell us what the other options are and we’ll make the informed decision.”

“Construction work is the other big focus. Housing is postponed, but those who help build houses get credits toward home ownership.”

“We brought funds,” Auntie said. “To hurry things along.”

“I’m afraid old currency has no value right now. That may change, I can’t make any promises…”

“That’s ridiculous,” Auntie said.

“Where are we supposed to live if not in a house?” Uncle demanded.

“If you don’t take the options where housing is provided, you’ll be given a kit. Tents, supplies, some basic food, enough for basic medical and hygiene requirements. You’ll live in close proximity to the construction sites, with shared access to communal bathrooms, showers, and training centers.”

“Excuse me?”

Auntie and Uncle turned to look at her.

“I know how to work with horses. I spent two summers working at a stable. I did some work at the nearby farm, I can milk a cow. I got the gold star for animal care from the camp. I had a garden back home and I grew tomatoes and peppers,” she said. “The rabbits kind of got at them, but I know stuff.”

“Everything helps,” the man at the counter said. “That’s much better than what some people know when they choose the farm program.”

“I’m university educated,” Uncle said. “Degrees in finance, programming. I have years of experience working with security compliance for financial institutions.”

“Your best bet would be to enter into one of the other programs, farming or construction, and apply from there.”

“Uncle,” she said, leaning into and over the counter to get her face where her uncle would see it, as he stood beside her. “We have to choose something for now. Let’s choose the option where we get an actual place to live. Please?”

“Please don’t butt in,” Uncle said.

“I really want a house. I’d love to do the farm work. I was reading the paperwork they gave us before we got on the train and there are programs where we go to school half the time and do other stuff the other half. I could do the farm work half the day and earn money.”