I opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 181 and with my eyes closed I pointed to the page. My finger fell closest to the word “bothers.” That is our prompt today.
Bothers by John W. Howell © 2025
“So what bothers you most about the neighborhood.”
“What makes you think anything bothers me?”
“You have this grumpy look all the time.”
“I certainly can’t help the way I look.”
“But is it a frown or just the way those eyebrows are positioned.”
“You know I don’t spend a lot of time looking at myself. Let’s just say it is what it is.”
“Okay. Gosh no need to get upset.”
“I’m not upset but here it is hardly dawn and I’m having to explain how I look.”
“I can see why that would bother you. I was just wondering is all.”
“Okay then. How about we get on with the day.”
“We good then?”
“Yea we are good. What do you have planned?”
“I thought I would go fishing today. You want to come?”
“I wouldn’t mind going with you but I’m not much for catching fish. I mean I don’t really know how.”
“Well, I can show you how.”
“That would be nice. I think a change of diet might be a good thing.”
“What are you used to eating.”
“Mice.”
“Mice? Eww.”
“Oh come on. That is about all I can catch. I’m not a big ole eagle like you.”
“Do you know what they call you?”
“Yeah. Screech Owl.”
“Stupid name. You don’t screech. Those hawks screech.”
“Yeah enough to scare the bejesus out of you.”
“What ya say. Want to fish?”
“Sure. Let’s go.”
Fiction Favorites 
Such a lovely owl, John. So good to be here again!
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So lovely to have you here again, Jaye.
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so glad I made it this far, John…
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Me too.
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💖
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😊
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Great response to your prompt. Took me a while to realize who your characters were. Very imaginative, John.
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Thank you, Pat. I try to keep them hidden for sure. 😊
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Mission accomplished!! 👏
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😊
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I love owls – give him a fish, John!
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Good idea, GP.
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That is definitely a disgruntled owl.
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😀
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I love owls. We get a lot of them in my neighborhood but they’re hard to spot. We hear them mostly.
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They are elusive for sure, and I swear they cast their calls so you never know where they are.
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There’s a name for that. RBF. Resting Bitch Face. Either that or Screech Owl. Your choice.
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I like Resting Bitch Face for sure. Thanks, Lois.
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I don’t blame Mr. Owl for being grumpy: “I’m not upset but here it is hardly dawn and I’m having to explain how I look.”
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😀
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Cool, John. Owls and eagles are wonderful. I imagine an owl would need fishing lessons from an eagle.
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Yes indeed. Mice and fish require very different skills. 😀 Thanks, Tim.
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😊
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A gorgeous owl – and you’ve captured their expressions perfectly! They do always look grumpy. Entertaining 😊
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Thank you, Esther.
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I’m glad to learn that eagles and owls are on good terms with one another. Friendship is where it’s at!
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Yes, they have a mutual non-mangez policy. Thanks, Neil.
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Glad to see the owl and eagle hunting together. Good one!
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Yeah, they make a good pair. Thanks, Denise.
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I think he’s cute — wise and pensive. The mouse diet I could do without though!
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I agree. 99% mouse free diet.
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There is something about owls, perfect characters for a story.
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Yes they have a lot of mystery around them.
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I knew something was up at the mention of mice. A fun story, John. Loved the twist!
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Thank you, Diana. 😊
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I’ll bet he’s quite the angler and didn’t even know it. Love these finger point prompt. So clever.
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He has the talons for fishing for sure
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Yes…those talons are probably better than any Woolly Bugger fly. 😉
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Or an old-fashioned Hulapopper. (bass)
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Great prompt but also, amazing owl picture. Those are striking birds.
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They are. Thanks, Laura.
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No one should have to explain how they look when it is hardly dawn. 😅 A friendly chat between friends. 👍🏻
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I think you are right. Everything should be off the table that early. Thanks, Michele. 😊
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You’re welcome and thank you for the reply. 😊
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Owls are such mesmerizing creatures. I remember coming face to face with one in an Amish barn many years ago. I don’t know who scared who more, but I most definitely deferred to him on account of those magnificent claws of his.
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Yes, it is always a good thing to give them wide berth.
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For real.
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😀
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Entertaining, as always, John! 🙂
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Thank you, Jan 😊
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Ahhh, Spring. When a young one’s fancy turns to fishing. Do owls eat fish? Loved the dialogue.
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(AI answer) Yes, certain species, like Blakiston’s Fish Owl and Pel’s Fishing Owl, specialize in fish.
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I first thought of Grumpy Cat while reading this dialogue. Then I got to the owl mention, and the photo. Those are some seriously watchful eyes! Gotta be able to see the mice so dinner can be served.
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And mostly at night. Thanks, Dave.
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Well done, John!
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😊
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I love owls, even though they look a bit grumpy!
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I do too. Thanks, Darlene.
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