My previous article on making up stories reminded me of a joke on the same theme.
“Jan needs to get to the neighbouring town for an urgent matter so he decides to borrow Stefan’s bicycle. He sets off across the village and starts thinking about how he’s going to ask his neighbour, Stefan, about the bicycle.
‘That Stefan!’, he thinks. ‘He’s a grumpy old one. Always bad tempered, snapping and growling at every one. I hope he’s in a good mood this afternoon’.
He remembers the last time they met.
‘He’s so mean’ he mutters under his breath. ‘Last time we were in the bar together he didn’t buy a single drink. Not only is he mean, he’s selfish and only ever thinks of himself. He’s going to kick up a real fuss over this bicycle of his. I’ll have to approach this situation with great delicacy.’
He gets to Stefans’ yard. The paint is coming off the fence and rubbish is scattered across the yard.
‘Look at this place!’ he thinks. ‘What a disgusting mess. That Stefan doesn’t care about anything. He’s lazy and good for nothing. I bet his bicycle is rusting, falling apart and dangerous.’
Stefan opens the door and Jan pokes his finger into Stefan’s chest and shouts,
“You and your bicycle can GO TO HELL!’”





