Claire is a good person and her help is important. You are honest with her

“Alright,” you say calm and look for the right words, “the truth is, I got in trouble with a member of the board of directors in the hospital I wanted to work in. At the night of graduation, I ended up in bed with his daughter. She was an adult already, but … well he is a well-known control freak. He made sure I don’t get employed after graduation and also in no other hospital he had contacts to. I messed up. With a huge dept and no job, I had nowhere else to go.”

“This guy sound like a true ass to me,” Claire says and you can see in her eyes she feels pity for you, “I met a lot of guys who had no problems to use their power or social for their own advantage. Thank you for telling me this. I believe you. And as I said, I’m not going to judge you. I just had to make sure you are not involved in anything illegal or … something that could hurt this towns reputation. Or mine.”

“I … understand,” you mumble unsure, “but … what is this all about? Last time I was here this was little more than a barren patch of land with a few houses on it and a handful of farms around.”

“Some people would say it still is,” Claire mumbles with a hint of bitterness, “but while you were studying, we had some serious changes. In the past, this town was only producing agricultural goods like food or some wood. We had some small businesses but the only big company was into logistics. Under my predecessor, two new companies moved here. One is just a building that rents offices to freelancers, the other one is … well, do you know Trayo cooperation?”

“The food factory?” you ask surprised, “I sure know them. They are quite popular among students because their food is cheap. Despite the nasty rumors and scandals.”

“Well, people here were not too happy about their new factory in the area too,” Claire says and nods, “while I agree that this got us several new workplaces and a lot of money for the city treasury, I’m also not happy about their plans for the future of this tower. Part of my work here is to keep their expansion efforts at bay.”

“I see,” you mumble and begin to realize how much your hometown has changed, “and what is my part in this? Why do you think a doctor is useful?”

“For different reasons,” Claire answers thoughtfully, “for example to strengthen the connection in the community. The whole town and also a lot of people from the surrounding areas will come to you. This saves time, money and will improve living condition. And all you have to do is living and working here, just like you already planned.”

“Alright, if it is just this, I can help you,” you answer, “by the way, is the old doctor’s office still available? I thought about using it again.”

“Yes, and it is still property of the town,” Claire answers proud, “which means I will be your future landlady. Don’t worry, I will make you a good offer. If you still want to work here, I have the funding applications already printed out. Just fill them in and give them to Eve. I will take care of everything else. Oh, before I forget it … you mother will hate for this, but there is a small apartment right above the doctor’s office. It is part of the lease. You don’t need to live in your old nursery again.”

“I guess we have a deal then,” you say and take the documents from Claire, “thank you Claire. Really. I guess it is a new start for me then.”

“You are welcome, dear,” Claire says gentle, “and now, Eve, you can stop eavesdropping. Take the rest of the day off and show our new resident his workplace!”

“Will do mom,” Eves voice appears through the closed door.

“This girl,” Claire whispers amused, “by the way, she is still single. Just in case you were wondering. You shared quite a bond back in your childhood.”