Here is how it works. I open a book to a random page and without looking point. The word or words closest to my pointing finger is the prompt. Today I opened Eternal Road – The last stop to page 191 and found “showing” under my finger.
Showing by John W. Howell © 2023
“Your green is showing.”
“Why do you say they?”
“Cause I can see you are jealous of my new shoes.”
“What are you talking about? Those raggedy-assed shoes?”
“Yeah, you are just saying that.”
“I can’t believe you would think something as ugly as your shoes would be something that would cause me to be jealous.”
“Well. Just look at yours.”
“Mine are fine. A little dirty, maybe.”
“How about those holes?”
“Where?”
“Look down the line. In the back.”
“I can’t see back there.”
“Trust me after pair fifty, there’s a whole mess going on.”
“Ah, who cares. Millipedes can’t control that stuff.”
“If you cared, you could.”
“Your arrogance is showing. When’s the last time you looked at your shoes after fifty pair.”
“What are you saying?”
“Your last fifty make mine look pristine in comparison.”
“I gotta get to the shoe store.”
“Now your pridefulness is showing.”
“Better that than sloppiness.”
“Hey, we millipedes have our challenges. How about a truce?”
“You want to come with?”
“To the shoe store.”
“Yeah, I need someone to help me carry the money.”
Fiction Favorites 
Oh I. So pleased I’m not a millipede or have a shoe fetishism 😀.
Lovely little tale John 😍
LikeLike
Thank you, Sue
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLike
A very entertaining and interesting look into the life of a millipede. This caused me to consider the millipede from a medical standpoint. At what point should a millipede break multiple legs do they just have to say, sorry Medwick, we have to “pull the plug”? Thanks, John, inquiring minds want to know…🐳
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you have enough spare feet that eventuality can be put off. Thanks Big Tuna. A thought provoking comment.
LikeLike
I never thought about opening a millipede shoe store – just one customer and you’re rich!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true. Just have to hope the customer knows what it wants. Thanks, GP
LikeLiked by 1 person
😲
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can see it now. Nice shoes up front, but Crocks by the end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think that may be the way to go. Thanks, Craig
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never heard ‘your green is showing’ before. Nice phrase.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thaks. I made it up.
LikeLike
I wonder if the females wear heels on the first few pairs?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would say on more than that unless they pinch. 😁 Thanks, Dan
LikeLiked by 1 person
This good, John! Since I was a kid, I called millipedes “million-leggers.” 🙂 The furry ones creep me out!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They creep out everyone. When we moved to Texas we had these foot long monsters with red pincers UGH.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Millipedes, I love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Vera. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘raggedy-assed shoes’–tells me all I need to know about the shoes. Perfect. And millipedes–you are so clever!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lois. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved it, John!
Did you sing that childhood song? “Said the thousand-legged worm as he gave a little squirm, has anybody seen a leg of mine? For if it can’t be found I shall have to hop around on the other nine hundred ninety-nine.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha ha. No I never did, Maggie. It is a great song.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another winner, but that millipede is delusional they will have enough shoes in the same size and style!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true Noelle. I think it would require an order in advance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Doh!! You got me again with an insect narrator!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha ha. You just made my day. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good one, John! I’m hoping this critter wears its new shoes out the door (or somebody would have a LOT of boxes to haul!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never thought of the boxes, Debbie. Good point for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like somebody needs a shoe rotation to keep the treads/holes less noticeable. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good idea, Monika. Maybe walking in a different direction will help.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just trying to keep the ‘treads’ uniform. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was my idea behind the opposite direction. 🙃
LikeLiked by 1 person
lol well that was a twist!
LikeLike
Yes it was.
LikeLike
Interesting idea, a millipede shoe store. Do you have to buy shoes by the pair or can you get like 2 lefts and 3 rights? Or are they all the same? So much to think about before I put together the business plan. Buster Brown
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes Buster. You have to buy a right and a left at the same time. Hope this helps.
LikeLike
Ha ha ha! That is a shopping trip I would like to be on!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, give me 100 pairs of pumps. All black. I’ll need to try them on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha. That was an unexpected response to your prompt, John.
Now that I’ve tried a few times (though only posted one) to do your finger-point-prompt, I’ve discovered how hard it is to take that photo. So kudos on that too. I really love the idea. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The biggest risk is dropping the camera. I’ve gotten pretty good with holding on to it which is the biggest challenge. Hugs, Teagan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never liked those little creatures, but now I feel empathetic. Afterall, who’s going to carry the money? Craziness, John, craziness. 🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just a wild and crazy guy. Thanks, Gwen 😁
LikeLike
That’s for sure! 😄
LikeLike
Good one, John! Boy, it would cost a fortune for shoes, especially if it’s a eumillipes, a true millipede.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it would. Thanks, Tim.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊🌷
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was good, John, especially the ending!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jennie
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This made me chuckle. I did not see the millipede thing coming! Love it, John 💕🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Harmony. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Time for new shoes for both of you, it seems. I’m not a shoe person, John, so I could have been part of the conversation. It rings familiar. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Diana.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Millipedes?! John, your imagination is incredible 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Marie. I like that idea. 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
A different take on shoe shopping, John. I enjoyed this clever story. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad, Lauren.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This made me laugh! How stinky to have to tie all those shoes! I hope they have velcro. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Man, I have a whole new respect for millipedes after reading this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha ha. They do not have a easy life in the shoe store. 😁 thanks, Willow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s an all day excursion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLiked by 1 person