The Last Laugh

Dave was a struggling comedian who dreamed of making it big in Hollywood. He had been doing stand-up gigs at various clubs and bars, but he never got the laughs or the applause he wanted. He felt like he was wasting his time and talent on unappreciative audiences.

One night, he got a call from his agent, who told him he had booked him a spot at the Comedy Castle, one of the most prestigious venues in the city. Dave was ecstatic. He thought this was his big break, his chance to shine and impress the industry. He prepared his best jokes and practised his delivery in front of the mirror.

The night of the show, he arrived at the Comedy Castle, feeling nervous but confident. He checked in with the manager, who told him he was the last act of the night. He waited backstage, listening to the other comedians perform. They were all good, but not great. He knew he could do better.

He heard his name announced and walked on stage, holding the microphone. He looked at the crowd, which was large and diverse. He smiled and greeted them, then launched into his routine. He told jokes about his family, his love life, his job, and his observations on society. He was witty, sarcastic, and edgy. He expected to hear laughter and applause, but instead, he heard silence and groans.

He was bombing. Hard.

He tried to ignore the negative reactions and continued with his jokes, hoping to win them over. But it only got worse. He heard boos and heckles. He saw people shaking their heads and rolling their eyes. He felt sweat dripping from his forehead and his hands trembling. He wanted to run off the stage, but he couldn't. He had to finish his set.

He decided to end with his best joke, the one that always killed at his previous gigs. He set up the punchline, then delivered it with a flourish. He waited for the laughter to erupt, but he heard a loud bang instead.

He felt a sharp pain in his chest and looked down. He saw blood spilling from his heart. He dropped the microphone and collapsed on the floor.

The crowd went wild. They cheered and clapped. They gave him a standing ovation. They loved his final act.

He had finally made them laugh.

He had also made them his killers.

He didn't know it, but the Comedy Castle was a secret club for assassins. Every night, they hired a comedian to perform for them, then shot him dead as a form of entertainment. They called it the Last Laugh.

Dave was their latest victim.

He died with a smile on his face, thinking he had achieved his dream.

He was wrong.

He was just a joke.