My fingers drummed nervously on the doctor’s desk. It felt like I had to do this *now*, or Olivia would die. I’d never felt such an urgent need to save someone.

The doctor, who I’d seen before for routine checkups, studied my chart carefully before speaking. “Why do you want a vasectomy, Mr. Clifford?”

“Because I don’t want kids.” My answer came out sharp, cold, and obvious.

“Fair enough. You don’t want kids *today*. But what if in fifteen years you change your mind? Or ...