I handed her the form and showed her where she had to sign, and she signed it. Dad followed me back out onto the porch.

When I got back, Gretchen asked me, "You had to sign one of these forms."

"Yes, and I've signed a contract too, because I've obligated myself to have two children, and they've already paid me for one."

"Okay. It just seems so serious."

"It is serious. It's going to alter your view of reality. Everything you thought you ever knew, will be different. First I'll tell you what you're dealing with, then why it works that way. Has everyone who needed to sign, signed. Let...