Shattered

"I'm feeling so bored," I voiced my complaint to Jace.

"Well, Ama, you're in luck! You're currently chatting with the most entertaining person on the planet. How about a joke to lighten the mood?" Jace's grin was infectious, lighting up his face in a way that made it impossible for me not to smile back. I had to admit, I was going to miss his cheerful presence once I left this place.

"Alright, go ahead. Let's hear your best joke," I challenged.

He cleared his throat dramatically, "What do you call a bear with no teeth?"

I looked at him unimpressed, then crossed my arms. "No idea."

"A gummy bear!" he exclaimed, his eyes shining with anticipation for my reaction. I tried my best to maintain my cool, but it was hard. Not because his jokes were particularly funny, but because his laughter was so genuine and infectious.

"Nothing?" he asked, and I shook my head. "Okay, I've got one that'll really make you laugh. What do you call a wolf that knows who he is?"

"What?"

"Aware-wolf!" This time, he roared with laughter, tumbling to the floor and clutching his stomach.

Laughter bubbled out of me despite my attempts to control it. His laughter was just so contagious. It's moments like these that make me appreciate the joy of genuine laughter.

"I knew that one would get you," he stated once he had gotten himself back.

I just smiled at him.

"You gotta admit, wolf puns are howl-arious."