Today, I opened the second book in the Eternal Road series: The Last Drive randomly to page 119 and pointed with my eyes closed. The word closest to my finger is “departure.” This is our prompt today.
Departure by John W. Howell © 2025
“Do you have everything?”
“I think so.”
“Do we need to do a checklist?”
“Naw. I think I remembered everything.”
“This is a big step in life for you. How do you feel?”
“I’m a little nervous but am looking forward to learning more.”
“It seems like yesterday that you were so small.”
“Yeah, but now I’m fully grown.”
“Well, at least your body has grown. Your brain needs a little more time.”
“This is why you are sending me off, right?”
“Yes, dear. You cannot stay and continue to grow into a responsible adult. You need learning and experience that your dad and I can’t give you.”
“Well, I’m going to miss you both. Where is Dad anyway?”
“I don’t think he could stand to say goodbye, so he went fishing.”
“Yeah, I get that. Well, tell him goodbye, and I’ll see him later.”
“I will do that, my precious. Now spread those wings and get going. Don’t forget you are an eagle,. A bald eagle, so be proud of your heritage.”
“I won’t forget Mama. Goodbye. I love you.”
“I love you, son. Make us proud.”
“Mom, don’t cry.”
“Bitter sweet, my boy. Go now.”
Fiction Favorites 
I kept trying to guess what/who the characters were, but didn’t quite get there in time! Well done, John.
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I strung it out with very few clues, so it was tough. Thanks, Esther. Glad you liked it.
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Seems much nicer than just kicking them out of the nest.
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I think so too. Old softy in me wrote it that way. Thanks, Charles.
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Hey – you got an ’empty nest’ story out of it, eh?
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Finally got there. Thanks, GP.
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This is exactly like I pictured it when junior flies the coop, so to speak.
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I let three go, and this is precisely how it went.
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Good one, I kind of felt that way after watching the eagle nest.
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😊
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Maybe he’ll circle back for the fish.
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Sunday dinner, maybe. Thanks, Craig.
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This was lovely, John, especially since I’ve been watching some bald eagle hatchlings grow into fledglings and are now preparing to leave the nest (on some live camera feed that pops up).
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I used to watch those feeds. I loved them. Thanks, Noelle.
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Difficult but necessary. Well done, John.
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Yup.
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Awww, it’s so hard to watch them leave the nest. 🙂 Great use of the prompt, John!
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Thank you, Jan. Yes, it is hard.
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Wow! Mom sent him off to grow up, rather than wait for him to leave on his own.
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Sometimes that is the only way.
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I remember a similar situation when you left me in the dust…and, you never told me, “It seems like yesterday that you were so small.” Just so you know, I’m still hurt.🐳
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Aw. Must have involved drinking. I always left you in the dust when it came to consumption.
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As l recall, we had just left Nicky D’s following the consumption of two quarts of Ouzo
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That does not surprise me. Where did we leave you? I hope it was in an air-conditioned spot out of the rain. I probably left you for your own good to avoid what could only be described as danger ahead..
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Yes to the dry and AC…you wedged me in a revolving door at some joint on Myrtle Street. I had to call the Captain to come and get me. 🐳
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Ha ha ha
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I guessed eagle when dad when fishing.
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You are very clever, for sure, Liz. That was the only clue, and it was very obscure.
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😊
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😊
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I love it Boss, a wonderful ode to our national bird.
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Love the Eagles.
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Same here.
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😊
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Great story, John. I wondered about an eagle. When we lived in Branson, our home was situated on a hill, and we would often watch the eagles dive into the lake. Magnificent birds. Have a great rest of the week. 🌞
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That must have been something to see them dive in. Thanks for sharing, Gwen. I hope you have a wonderful week.
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I had a feeling that it was some animal, so I was on the right track. I suppose that’s where the term “leaving the nest” originates.
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That is it. Thanks, Pete.
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A surprising ending, but I can’t believe the dad went fishing. The fish can wait.
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He was avoiding the emotional parting. Dad still has not come to grip with his inner feelings. The son understood.
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The son was very understanding.
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Yes, he was.
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Nicely done, John. Love your Eternal Road series 🤗💗
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Thank you, Harmony. ❤️
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Well done, John. I’m smiling.
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😀
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Flying the coop can be a double edged sword. Well done, John.
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Thank you, Monika. It sure is. 😊
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