by Andreas Flögel

Smoking gun in hand, Jack stood in the children’s room.

The sight of his shot-down sons was horrifying. Knowing this had been the only way to spare them further suffering offered no comfort.

The ‘laughing virus’ (no one could remember the scientific name) was deadly and extremely contagious. Those infected died from hours of painful, convulsive spasms of uncontrollable laughter.

A thought came up: Laughter from the children’s room – had Jack overreacted?

This idea made him giggle, then laugh out loud.

Relief washed over him, despite the cramps that made it hard to lift the weapon to his temple.

Andreas Flögel

Andreas Flögel thinks laughter is not always deadly. But if you want to play it safe, a subtle smile is your best bet.

Website: dr-dings.de