John and his spouse, Melanie, attended the annual state fair consistently. Each time, John would express his desire to take a ride in the helicopter. Melanie, in her customary response, would say, ‘I understand, John, but that helicopter ride costs 50 dollars, and 50 dollars is 50 dollars.’
On one occasion, as Melanie and John visited the fair, John, now 85 years old, voiced, ‘Melanie, at my age, if I don’t experience that helicopter ride, I might never have another chance.’ Melanie reiterated, ‘John, the helicopter ride is 50 dollars, and 50 dollars is 50 dollars.’
The pilot overheard their conversation and proposed a deal, ‘Folks, I’ll take both of you for a ride. If you can remain silent throughout the entire journey without uttering a word, I won’t charge you. But if a single word is spoken, it’s 50 dollars.’ John and Melanie agreed, and up they went.
The pilot executed various daring maneuvers, yet not a word was spoken. Despite his repeated daredevil tricks, silence persisted. Upon landing, the pilot turned to John, impressed, saying, ‘I tried everything to get you to yell out, but you didn’t. I’m impressed!’ John replied, ‘Well, I almost said something when Melanie fell out, but, you know, 50 dollars is 50 dollars!’
