Cee-Jay eyed her mother over her menu. This was getting out of hand, Cee-Jay thought. Mom's not stopping, in fact, she's speeding up. Soon, I'll be in a ballet class and having sleepovers.
"Mom?" Cee-Jay asked tentatively.
"Yes, Cee-Jay?"
Cee-Jay breathed deeply. She knew her mom had it in her purse. "I know you've always wanted a girl . . . but, I don't want to be a girl."
"Cee-Jay, you said you told me you don't mind."
"I know, mom. It's just that every time I say something you don't like, you make another wish. And I become Cee-Jay a little bit more." Cee-Jay knew this argument wasn't going well. He needed to shock his mom and retake just a little bit of Jon. Or, perhaps, protect Jon . . . "Mom, I'm just worried that one day you'll go too far, and that Jon will just be wished away."
"I think you're overreacting, Cee-Jay. I love Jon; I could never wish him away."
"Not intentionally. But, what if you make a mistake? Or if the stone interprets the wish in an unexpected way?"
"Cee-Jay, you are overreacting."
"Am I? Karyn made a harmless wish and now she's stuck with big boobs and blonde hair. Please, just wish that noone could never permanently be a girl. That's all I ask."
Her mom tapped her finger on the stone. She wondered about her daughter's comments.
"I wish . . ."
