What’s Three Times Three

Three elderly men find themselves sitting in a doctor’s office, each of them nervously tapping their feet as they await their memory test results. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation, and the faint sound of a ticking clock echoes in the background, marking the passage of time.

The doctor, a kind-faced woman with a warm smile, enters the room and greets them. “Good morning, gentlemen! Today, we’re going to test your memory with a few simple questions. Let’s start with you,” she says, pointing to the first man, who has a tuft of white hair and a twinkle in his eye.

“What is three times three?” she asks, her voice steady and encouraging.

The first man furrows his brow in deep concentration, his mind racing. After a moment, he confidently responds, “274.” The doctor raises an eyebrow, taken aback by the unexpected answer, but she quickly jots it down, maintaining her professional demeanor.

Next, she turns to the second man, who is slightly hunched over and adjusting his glasses. “It’s your turn. What is three times three?” she inquires.

Without missing a beat, the second man replies, “Tuesday.” The doctor blinks in surprise, trying to make sense of his response. She wonders if she misheard him or if he’s playing a clever joke.

Finally, she approaches the third man, who is sitting upright and looking rather pleased with himself. “Okay, your turn. What’s three times three?” she asks, hoping for a more straightforward answer.

With a grin, the third man confidently states, “Nine.” The doctor’s face lights up with delight. “That’s fantastic!” she exclaims. “How did you arrive at that answer?”

The third man chuckles, leaning back in his chair. “Oh, that’s easy,” he replies, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “I subtracted 274 from Tuesday!”

The doctor can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. The three men share a hearty chuckle, their laughter filling the room and breaking the tension. In that moment, it becomes clear that while their memories may be fading, their sense of humor remains sharp as ever. The doctor realizes that sometimes, laughter is the best medicine, and she leaves the room with a smile, grateful for the joy these elderly men brought into her day.