The Last Laugh

"The Last Laugh" by Bryce Walton is a science fiction story about Zeke, the first Martian to visit Earth, and the tricky situation that follows. When Zeke arrives as a serious ambassador, his strange appearance and behavior make people laugh, even though he doesn't understand humor. Professor Johnson tries to protect Zeke from realizing he's seen as a joke, but it's hard. The story looks at what happens when different cultures meet and how easily laughter can turn into something hurtful. As Zeke tries to fit in, things get more chaotic, revealing deep questions about being an outsider, what laughter really means, and how humans treat those who are different.