The text is a script of a simulated life experience where the narrator, a parent, watches their daughter Salish's life unfold from college to marriage and motherhood. The narrator has the ability to pause and make decisions for Salish at various points in her life.
The story begins with Salish starting college at UCLA, where she meets a football player named Brad. The narrator thinks Salish is too young for a relationship, but Salish decides to go on a date with Brad. However, the date doesn't go well, and Brad leaves abruptly.
Later, Salish meets a musician who offers to teach her guitar lessons. The narrator thinks this is a better match for Salish, but Salish has already committed to going on a date with Brad.
Years pass, and Salish graduates from college. She opens her own gymnastics gym and meets a new partner, Alex. The narrator is happy with this development and thinks Alex is a good match for Salish.
The story jumps forward in time, and Salish and Alex get married. They have a child, and the narrator is overjoyed to become a grandparent. Salish and Alex have more children, and the narrator is exhausted but happy to see their family grow.
Throughout the story, the narrator comments on Salish's life and makes decisions for her. The narrator is often surprised by the twists and turns of Salish's life but is ultimately happy to see her happy.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator's daughter, Salish, is a gymnast and is starting college at UCLA.
2. Salish meets a football player named Brad on her first day of college.
3. Salish goes on a date with Brad but decides not to kiss him, leading him to leave abruptly.
4. Salish later meets a musician who offers to teach her guitar lessons, and she accepts.
5. Salish graduates from college and opens her own gymnastics gym.
6. An old friend, Alex, returns and asks Salish to fly to Paris with him, but she declines.
7. Salish gets engaged to her musician boyfriend and they get married.
8. Salish becomes pregnant and gives birth to a baby girl named Oakley.
9. Salish's husband wants to have another child, and she agrees.
10. Salish becomes pregnant again and has two more children, making her a mother of three.
11. The family is chaotic but happy, and Salish's husband is supportive.
12. Salish's children are now old enough to be in high school, and she brings her daughter to work on "Bring Your Daughter to Work Day."
13. Salish's daughter is also a gymnast and participates in a challenge at her father's workplace.