The genie stared at the old lady incredulously. “That’s your final wish?”

She nodded.

“I’ve made you wealthy, given you 30 extra years of life , and now you call on me for — this?”

“I’ve given it a lot of thought,” she said.

“There’s no predicting what will happen,” the genie said.

“I understand the risk,” she said.

“Well, you are the master. I cannot deny it, whatever wish it may be.”

“Thank you,” she said. “Will it hurt?”

“I don’t know,” he said. “Now close your eyes.”

She closed her eyes.

In another place, another time, a newborn baby opened its eyes and cried out for the first time.

“Good luck,” the genie thought, observing the newborn in the maternity ward. “You’re going to need it.”