“Sleep!” intoned Richard over his son, who fell instantly asleep. The sorcerous command faded away, and Richard’s wife Janelle looked over their three-year-old with a quiet smile. “He’s adorable when he’s asleep, isn’t he?” she said. “I know, right?” said Richard. “Sleep tight, little guy,” and he tucked the child in. They each kissed him, then the parents walked upstairs to their living room. “Gahhh,” he said, stretching, “I love putting him to bed this way. No whining, no passive resistance, no wanna-glass-of-water. So easy!” He sat down on the couch. “Whaddaya want to watch?”

Browsing Netflix, Janelle said, “Yeah, learning that magic command has really paid off. Still, since you started using it, I feel kinda weird. Like we’re losing control of something... maybe it’s just me...” she shook her head. “Nevermind. How about that Matthew McConaughey--Julia Stiles romance? Kara said it was really sweet.”

“I’m feeling like a comedy,” said Richard. “Something Steve Carell, or a Jackie Chan classic.”

“She said it’s really funny, too. You picked the last movie. I’m sure you’ll enjoy--”

“Sleep!” intoned Richard, and Janelle slumped over on the couch. “G’night, sweetie,” he said, picking up the remote.