Going to Hell for laughing

Three men find themselves in hell, confused and annoyed.

“What did we do to deserve this?” they wonder aloud. "All we did was laugh!"

Suddenly, Satan appears. "Oh, but you laughed at the wrong thing," he says. "However, there’s a way out. If you can endure ten lashes from my whip, you’re free to go. I’ll even let you choose something to protect your back."

Feeling hopeful, the men cheer. "This can’t be too hard," they think.

The first man steps forward and chooses a big boulder to shield himself. "Ready."

Satan raises the whip. "ONE!"

CRACK! The boulder shatters.

"Forget it," says the first man. "I’ll stay."

Satan grins. "Next?"

The second man, confident, steps up with no protection. “I don’t need anything. I’ve mastered pain.”

Satan shrugs. "Alright. ONE!"

CRACK! The man flinches but stands firm. Satan frowns and continues. After ten lashes, the man is worn but smiling.

Satan, irritated, turns to the third man. "Your turn. What’ll it be?"

The third man looks around, then says, “I’ll pick the second guy.”

They all laugh—again.