"I wish ..." Jon started, but got distracted by a phone call from Karyn. He quickly finished the sentence by wishing for something harmless. "... that I had twenty dollars in my pocket." The stone glowed, granting his wish. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of twenty one-dollar bills.
After answering his phone, Karyn asked him if he could meet her at the mall, maybe even try out the stone a bit more. He told her that he'd try to make it, but would have to inform his parents first.
Jon walked downstairs and saw his effeminate father still watching his soap opera. Maybe it was just Jon, but he could have sworn his dad was crying. On the TV, one of the female characters was talking to one of the male characters, presumably in a touching way. Jon just had to stop and stare. He had never seen his father get so teared up about anything, especially something like that.
"Uh, Dad?" he asked.
His father turned and saw Jon. "Yes, honey?" he asked, wiping away some of his tears.
"I was wondering if it would be okay if I hung out with Karyn."
"Ask your mother. She should be getting home soon," he said, then turned back to the TV.
"But usually you ..." Jon stopped himself. He usually asked his dad, but things were reversed now. So, it made some sense that he'd have to ask his mom.
And it seemed he didn't have to wait long for her, because a moment later, the front door opened and his "new" mother walked in.
