On the journey away from home, Thomas expected many great things. This was his first time in Del Ray by himself. The city streets seemed intimidating now, but this only added to his excitement. The bus ride had taken ten hours and Thomas was eager to get out and walk. The bus arrived at the terminal just as the sun lifted in the sky.

Thomas didn't know what to expect, as life was changing too fast. He knew life in the city was very different from life at home. From his Economics class, he knew that with changes in technology becoming increasingly faster, rates of change increase. But how life in the city would change as a result remained a mystery to him.

How would have city life changed in the Age of Abundance?, he wondered. With playing video games leading to the creation of products and services, with implanted devices  greatly reducing the need for prisons and hospitals, with wealth being contributions to networks of knowledge, and with waste being transformed into reusable products, city life must've surely changed, he imagined.

For one thing, how expensive would city life be? Flows of funds had increased dramatically as technology become faster. With even faster technology, flows of funds will continue to increase. So, he wondered, would the pace of life in the city change? 

On the bus ride, Thomas had the misfortune of sitting next to a Finance professor. Thus, he endured a lecture on the economy after asking if city life was expensive. The professor had smiled and began his lecture:

'In the era of inflation, when interest rates rise, cost of borrowing rises. Businesses borrow for future earnings, so earnings had to rise continually to pay back borrowings. With deflation, interest rates lower, so cost of borrowing lowers, so earnings do not have to rise as much. With high interest rates, there are high borrowing costs, less money available, and shortages. With low interest rates, there are low borrowing costs, more money available, and surpluses.'

'Yes, but will the faster pace of change lead to inflation or deflation?' he'd asked the professor.

'That depends on the type of business you are in,' replied the professor.

After listening to the professor, he still had no idea of what to expect as the bus pulled into the terminal. After collecting his bags, Thomas entered the terminal to find the phone booths. Reaching into his backpack, he retrieved a map of Del Ray and his phonebook. His uncle had offered to show him around the city and a place to stay for a week. But nobody answered the phone when Thomas called. Struck with fear, he immediately called home. Nobody answered there either.

Feeling ill, he found a seat and tried to calm himself. His attempt failed, he began sweating and shaking. Feeling a tap on the shoulder, Thomas shuddered.

'Are you in need of help?' asked a middle-aged woman.

Looking up, Thomas saw the smiling face of an attractive woman about the same age as his mother. Nearly in tears, he managed,

'Im not sure, Im waiting to hear from my uncle.'

'Where does he live? Perhaps I can help.'

Feeling relieved, Thomas told the lady about his being in the city on his own for the first time. He showed her his phonebook and his uncles address.

'Oh yes, this isnt too far away from my house,' smiled the lady. 'I'll take you there, but first Im waiting to pick up my daughter here. She is about your age, blond hair and green eyes, five and a half feet tall, about a hundred pounds.'

Fifteen minutes later, Thomas spotted a girl fitting the description.

'Is that your daughter?' he asked.

Nodding, the woman led Thomas over to introduce her daughter.

'This is Rebecca, Thomas. And this is Thomas, Rebecca.'

'Hi mom, and Hi Thomas,' greeted Rebecca.

Turning to her mother, Rebecca asked about her boyfriend.

'Frank is fine. Yesterday, he was promoted to manger of the hardware store.'

Rebecca smiled, 'So Thomas, are you from around here?'

'Im from SeaView. I came to DelRay to visit my uncle, but he is not answering the phone.'

'Oh?' Rebecca frowned, 'and how did you meet my mom?'

Turning to her mom, Rebecca asked, 'Oh mom, have you introduced yourself to Thomas?'

Turning to Thomas, the woman apologized, 'Sorry for not introducing myself, Thomas, my name is Carol. Rebecca and I live on the north side of DelRay.'

Thomas smiled, shook her hand, and turned to Rebecca.

'Hi Rebecca and Carol, I am Thomas, and I am from SeaView. I am in DelRay to visit my uncle and explore the city.'

Looking at her watch, Carol announced that she had to get home soon. Rebecca nodded in agreement and asked Thomas if he wanted to come along. Nervously, Thomas nodded and looked at Carol.

'I think that is wonderful, Thomas. When we get to our house, you can call your uncle,' Carol responded.

Carol grabbed the luggage while Thomas put on his backpack. Together, they walked to the parking lot. Carol pointed to her car and told Thomas to wait as she called her husband. Rebecca indicated her desire to wait with Thomas.

'What is it you do in your spare time, Thomas,' asked Rebecca.

Thomas smiled, answering, 'I really like playing SimEngineer, in which I get to help design products and services. My creations from the game are sent to institutions as proposals. Many of my friends also play SimEngineer, creating many proposals to many institutions. SimEngineer players are hired as consultants by the institutions that adopt their proposals.'