"I hope so Jim, you're a fine person too, and I want you to be as happy as I have been. Don't forget, if you have a bad dream or you want to talk anytime even during the night call me on the phone and I'll come up and sit with you.”

"Thank you Jean, I know that you mean that, and I have a feeling if this crazy thing ever comes about, it'll be because of you.”

As she got to the door, I thought of something.

"Jean,"

"Yes."

"What was your name before ...

you know."

"Jim, I've forgotten it almost, but if you really must know, it was Ralph."

"I like Jean a lot better. I laughed.

"So do I, by the way that's one thing that you're going to have to think about in the next few days. They'll be filing papers to legally change your birth certificate and name, so you ought to think about what you want to be called for the rest of your life. Besides just think, how many people get to be called something that they want. How many girls get named after some old shriveled maiden aunt that their parents had to satisfy, like old Aunt Mathilda or Mergatroide!”

"Jean, I don't think that I could ever select a name for myself, I'm not going to be up to it, and anyway as long as your in charge of the Great Transformation, I think that should be your job too." I changed my tone, and said seriously, “Jean, I'd really appreciate it if you would think of a name for me."

“Alright, I'll think of a pretty one, but you better like it, and I'll pass the word so that everyone else knows it, too! You just might be sorry I was asked, I had a lovely dear sweet old aunt named . . ." At this point she was driven from the room by the glass of water I tossed toward the door.

A minute later a blonde head stuck through a partially opened door and said, "Henrietta!"

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