The rest of the exam consists of a lot of questions about which items go where in a home and whose job each task is in my own family. It’s difficult to remember who is supposed to do what because we don’t always follow those rules, but I think I do okay. I take the examiner on a tour through my room as I answer her questions, being sure to demonstrate proper hosting as I go along.

Finally, after over an hour of questions and tours and tea, I am allowed to sit on the couch as the examiner conducts my oral examination of my out-of-the-home knowledge. Her severe eyes stare at me through her thick glasses as she asks me question after question from across the room.

“Proper protocol for meeting an acquaintance?”

“Handshake, polite greeting, small conversation and goodbye.” I hope I got everything.

“Marriage eligibility requirements for men?”

“A position of sufficient status, income to support his wife, a residence large enough for a family of five, and attained the age of nineteen years.”

She writes a note in her book and I suddenly remember an error.

“I mean, a family of six. Forgive me.” I fold my hands in my lap and look down, to demonstrate my contrition for interrupting her.

I risk a glance up without moving my head and I can see her smiling slightly as she makes a note of my response.

“What do you do when you are unsure of your rank or status?”

“Assume the other person’s rank to be higher than my own until I am able to confirm with a government official.”

“Final question. What are the three approved methods of physical affection?”

I can feel my palms start to sweat as it gets more difficult to breathe. I press my hands into my thighs, “Kiss of a gloved hand, kiss on either cheek, and innocent touch lasting less than three seconds.” That last one is seared into my memory forever now. Is it possible she knows?

“Wonderful. That is the end of our examination, Maria. If you will be so kind as to show me out.”

“Of course,” I am still shaking as I stand up to escort her out. “Right this way, please.”

I feel better once she has her coat on and is stepping out of the house. My heart leaps into my chest when she turns around to speak to me.

“I forgot to mention, Maria, that your results will be ready for you to pick up at the government office tomorrow afternoon. Thank you for welcoming me into your home.”

“It was my pleasure,” I smile. “Thank you for your work.”

I manage to keep a smile on my face until I close the door between the examiner and myself. I lean my back onto the door and close my eyes. It’s finally over. One of the most nerve-wracking things I have ever done is finally done. I really hope I pass, because I’m almost twenty-one and I really just want to be done with my education.

I take three deep breaths before pushing myself away from the door and making my way back into the house.