The husband remained silent. He did not argue, did not plead, did not glance at her. The quiet between them grew heavier with every demand. Outside the window the highway stretched ahead, empty and ordinary, while the needle on the speedometer kept rising. She listed what she believed she was entitled to as if the conversation were already settled and only the paperwork remained.

A few moments later the car began drifting toward a massive concrete bridge support. The wife noticed the direction and suddenly became nervous. She looked at her husband and asked if there was anything he wanted. For the first time he answered. His voice was quiet and completely controlled. No, he said. He had everything he needed. She was puzzled. Oh, really? she asked. So what exactly did he have? The bridge was getting closer. He kept his eyes on the road. She could see there was no longer any time to turn the car around.

Just before they reached the concrete wall the husband finally turned toward her and gave her a calm, satisfied smile. “I’ve got the airbag.” And with that, the joke reaches its dark punchline: after everything she had claimed she wanted, neither of them was going to enjoy the divorce settlement.