Open When You Need To Laugh Novels & Stories

It is because of a prophecy’. For a second, I’m able to maintain a straight face, and then the laughter is out before I can stop it, and I don’t stop. It’s good to laugh again, even when the reason is ridiculous as it can be. Just when I thought I’ve heard enough absurdities, Quain comes up with one of these.

I asked. “Two.” He grinned. “And the second was…?” “My mom.” Everyone laughed. “You’re a miser,” Laila said, frowning. “Why?” “The world is already too cruel and harsh—for you, for me, for everyone—not to say something kind to others. You never know if someone’s having a rough day, and your random compliment might be the thing that lifts their spirits. You should try it sometime.” Laila exclaimed frowning. “For cheering others up I crack jokes.” Lucas shrugged.

I stare at the ceiling. Think about Neah laughing. Liam smiling. Theo almost relaxing. The pack finding light in darkness. Worth it. All of it. Every joke. Every smile. Every moment of levity I can create. Because if we lose the ability to laugh, we lose everything that makes us worth saving. My phone buzzes. Text from Miles. **You okay?** I smile. Type back. **Always. You?** **No. But we will be.** **Yeah. We will.**

‎"We have your father and the other workers. Find the document within 24 hours unless everyone, including your beloved father, dies." ‎— From You Know Who. ‎For several seconds, I simply stare at the screen. ‎Then, to my own surprise, I burst out laughing. ‎The sound is loud, sharp, and completely unhinged. ‎A laugh born from exhaustion, fear, and helplessness. ‎I laugh until tears gather in my eyes. ‎Then the laughter dies as quickly as it came. ‎My chest feels tight. ‎My hands are shaking. ‎Where do I even start from now?

“Like I had forgotten what it sounded like. Or what it felt like. For a second I almost stopped myself, like I wasn’t supposed to.” “You’re allowed to,” she said simply. “You’re allowed to laugh without checking if you’ve earned it first.” I nodded slowly. “I know. I’m just not used to it yet.” “You’ll get used to it again. One real laugh at a time.” Later, in my room, I sat on the edge of the bed and let the moment replay. The terrible software survey. Daniel’s dry comments. The way the laughter had come out without permission and left something warmer behind it.

Since I couldn't do anything about it, I started opening it one by one. But then, May seemed to notice that I was so bored, so she told me that I should go to the restroom first. Thankfully, I can leave the room because of May. That's why I had the chance to escape. Although I am still not done opening the gifts. The volume of the gifts was unexpected. That is why even if I took my time opening it, I think it would take me until tomorrow to unbox it for all. So the emperor's command that I should open it all right now is so hilarious, like can't he see the amount of those gifts?

Rolling on the grass, I shook with laughter, going exceptionally hard for something that wasn’t even a joke because my body just needed that extra shot of joy. I noticed she took offense to my prolonged laughter and instantly went quiet. “Sorry,” I said unremorsefully, clearing my throat. “I know it’s not your fault that you’re so scared of them…” My laughter didn’t dim. She pouted. “...but what’s the big deal? I used to be someone too. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you who I was.”

I was on the other side of the door and turned to look at her with my nosy face. She laughed. Yes, that's how I wanted her to respond. A severe response from her was too stressful for me and made me think about a lot of things in a short period. Laughing out loud like that, thinking I was joking, would be better for her and me at this time.

"Shut the fuck up. You love my laugh." FYI it's not a donkey laugh. I like to think that I laugh like a normal person. "Yeah I fucking do."

Then he leaned back in his chair and looked at the river through the window and began to talk. She laughed loudly, he said. Unexpectedly loud for someone so composed — the kind of laugh that surprised people who had only seen her in professional settings, that burst out of her in movie theaters and at dinner tables and once, memorably, in the middle of a very solemn art gallery opening, causing three collectors to spill their champagne. She was embarrassed every time and laughed harder at her own embarrassment.