The monks were allowed to speak

Following a vow of silence, none of the monks were allowed to speak at all.

But there was one exception to this rule every ten years, the monks were permitted to speak just two words.

After spending his first ten years at the monastery, one monk went to the head monk.

“It has been ten years,” said the head monk.

“What are the two words you would like to speak?”

“Bed… hard…” said the monk.

“I see,” replied the head monk.

Ten years later, the monk returned to the head monk’s office.

“It has been ten more years,” said the head monk.

“What are the two words you would like to speak?”

“Food… awful…” said the monk.

“I see,” replied the head monk.

Yet another ten years passed and the monk once again met with the head monk who asked, “What are your two words now, after these ten years?”