Conditional Reality

I was in the waiting room at the dentist the other day. Also waiting were three young brothers, three, six, and eight years old. The oldest asked me what I was doing there. I said I had some teeth that needed taking care of. He asked me which ones. I showed him. And now you're waiting for your son? he asked. No, I told him, I don't have a son. He looked puzzled. But you're a father. No, I said. I don't have children. Then a look of pure incomprehensibility. He stared at me. Then what are you? he said.