One day, a man strolls into a restaurant, followed by an ostrich of all things—a tall, majestic bird with an unblinking gaze. As unusual as the sight may be, the man nonchalantly takes a seat, and the waitress approaches.
What’ll it be?” she asks, trying to keep her curiosity at bay.
“I’ll have a hamburger, fries, and a Coke,” says the man. Then, turning to the ostrich, he adds, “And you?”
I’ll have the same,” the ostrich replies.
The waitress, now thoroughly puzzled but professional as ever, serves them their order. When the check comes—$9.40—the man reaches into his pocket and, without hesitation, pulls out the exact amount. Not a penny more, not a penny less.
The Same Routine, Every Day
This wasn’t a one-time event. The next day, they returned, and the same thing happened. The man ordered a hamburger, fries, and a Coke. The ostrich echoed his order. And when the bill came, the man produced the exact change once again.
Day after day, this bizarre routine continued.
By Friday, however, things took a turn. The man walked in with his ostrich, and the waitress greeted them with her usual, “The usual?”
“Not tonight,” the man said. “It’s Friday, so I’ll have a steak, baked potato, and a salad.”
The ostrich, sticking to its peculiar pattern, said, “I’ll have the same.”
When the check arrived—$32.62—the man reached into his pocket and once again pulled out the exact amount.
A Curious Waitress
By now, the waitress couldn’t hold back her curiosity. “Excuse me, sir,” she said, “but I’ve got to ask. How do you always have the exact change for everything you buy?”
The man leaned back with a smile. “It’s a long story,” he said, “but here goes. A few years ago, I was cleaning my attic and stumbled upon an old lamp. When I rubbed it, a genie appeared and granted me two wishes.”
The waitress’s eyes widened. “A genie?”
“That’s right,” the man said. “For my first wish, I asked that whenever I needed to pay for something, I could reach into my pocket and pull out the exact amount.”
That’s brilliant!” the waitress exclaimed. “Most people would just wish for a pile of money, but your wish means you’ll never run out!”
“Exactly,” the man said with a nod. “Whether I need a cup of coffee or a mansion, I always have the exact amount.”
The Ostrich Explained
The waitress’s curiosity didn’t stop there. “What about the ostrich?” she asked. “How does that fit into the story?”
The man sighed, his face a mix of humor and mild regret. “Ah, my second wish. I asked for a tall chick with long legs who agrees with everything I say.”
It took a moment for the joke to sink in, but when it did, the waitress burst out laughing.
Why the Joke Works
At its core, this joke is a clever play on words. The man’s wish for a “tall chick with long legs” is phrased ambiguously, leaving room for misinterpretation. While most people would assume he meant an attractive woman, the genie, in true mischievous fashion, granted him a literal tall chick—in the form of an ostrich.
The humor lies in the twist, where the audience’s expectations are subverted. What makes the joke even better is how nonchalantly the man accepts his unusual companion, treating the situation as though it were perfectly normal.
Life Lessons from a Joke
Beneath its humor, this story carries some subtle life lessons. The man’s first wish teaches us the value of practicality and long-term thinking. Instead of asking for a fleeting fortune, he wished for a system that guaranteed financial stability for life.
The second wish, while humorous, is a reminder to be careful what you wish for. Words matter, and clarity is key when expressing your desires—especially when dealing with genies!
Final Thoughts
The tale of the man and his ostrich is more than just a funny story; it’s a delightful mix of humor and wisdom. It reminds us to think through our decisions, appreciate the unexpected, and find joy in life’s little quirks. After all, who wouldn’t want a companion that agrees with everything they say—even if it’s an ostrich?
Edward Wade is a talented writer known for his unique blend of humor and storytelling. With a passion for making people laugh, he specializes in creating captivating stories and witty jokes. As a contributor to various platforms, Edward has gained recognition for his ability to craft lighthearted, yet thought-provoking content that resonates with readers of all ages. His witty style and sharp sense of humor have earned him a loyal following, making him a go-to writer for those in search of a good laugh and engaging narratives. Whether it’s a hilarious short story or a clever joke, Edward’s writing never fails to entertain.
