A woman sits in a chic cafe somewhere in western Europe. A waiter walks up to the table and places an espresso in front of her.
Madame: Excuse me.
Waiter: Yes, madame?
Madame: Could you please ask that man over there to stop living?
Waiter: Certainly, madame.
Madame: Grazie.
Waiter: I’m sorry madame, but the man refuses your request.
Madame: Oh, how drôle.
Waiter: Quite drôle, madame.
Madame: Well, if that man refuses my request, then may I ask of you another request?
Waiter: Of course, madame.
Madame: Take this pistol and make it so that that man stops living.
Waiter: Of course, madame.
Madame: Merci.
Waiter: Madame?
Madame: Yes?
Waiter: I followed your request, but so it seems . . . that man is not alive.
Madame: Oh?
Waiter: Yes. In all truth, death is sitting at that table.
Madame: Oh? Well then, send him my regards.
Waiter: Madame?
Madame: Yes?
Waiter: He wishes for you to join him.
END