The punchline opened the door and saw the same old joke waiting there, “You?” The punchline groaned and started to shut the door.
“Wait.” The same old joke urged. “It’s about your ex-wife.”
The punchline hesitated, then declared, “I don’t care what it’s about,” and slammed the door.
The same old joke walked back to the car.
“I told you not to expect much.” The premise called from the passenger seat.
The same old joke looked back at the familiar house and shook its head. “I don’t know how we’re going to finish this without the punchline, but we have no choice.”