Once upon a time, in a magical land of trains, there lived a conductor named Chuck. Chuck was known for being strict and never giving out change to passengers who didn't have the exact fare.

One day, a passenger named Tom boarded the train and asked Chuck for a ticket. Chuck handed him the ticket, and Tom handed Chuck a note. Chuck looked at the note and to his surprise, it read, "I have none."

Chuck was confused and asked Tom, "What do you mean you have none?"

Tom replied, "I have none. Neither do I have any change."

Chuck was so shocked that he almost fell off the train! He had never come across a passenger who had neither the fare nor any change. He didn't know what to do!

Just then, an idea struck Chuck. He said to Tom, "If you can make me laugh, I will give you the ride for free."

Tom thought for a moment and then said, "Why did the tomato turn red?"

Chuck was ready with a reply, "I don't know, why?"

Tom chuckled and said, "Because it saw the salad dressing!"

Chuck couldn't help but burst out laughing. He had never heard such a silly joke in his entire life. He was so amused that he gave Tom a free ride and even gave him a change for his next journey.

From that day on, whenever Tom boarded the train, Chuck would ask him to tell a joke. And every time, Tom never failed to make Chuck laugh and smile.

The End.

Reflections

1. Why was the conductor strict about giving change to passengers?
2. What did the note that the passenger handed to the conductor say?
3. What did the conductor ask the passenger to do in order to get a free ride?
4. What was the passenger's response to the conductor's request?
5. Why did the conductor give the passenger a free ride and change?
6. Why do you think the conductor always asked the passenger to tell a joke when he boarded the train?
7. Do you think it was fair for the conductor to ask the passenger to tell a joke in exchange for a free ride? Why or why not?