Today, I randomly opened The Last Drive to page 129. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “focus.” This is our prompt today.
Focus by John W. Howell © 2026
“You got the target?”
“Roger. My focus is absolutely laser sharp.”
“Well, just track it then and wait for my order.”
“Yes, sir. Staying with it.”
“It’s important that you wait until the target is out in the open. You don’t want any trees to cause a miss.”
“Yes, sir. Roger that. Still on target.”
“Good.”
“The target has picked up speed.”
“He might know you are locked on.”
“I don’t get that indication. Maybe he is anxious to return to his base.”
“Yeah, that could be, but we can’t let that happen.”
“So should I take him now?”
“Just hold a few moments more. We need to have a clean kill.”
“He’s starting evading maneuvers now.”
“Yeah, I see that.”
“He definitely knows we are here. ”
“Okay then. Take him out as soon as practicable.”
“Yes, sir. Here I go.”
“Right behind you.”
“Ooooof.”
“Nice one.”
“Let’s go back to the nest and have a feast.”
“I just love squirrel, don’t you?”
“My favorite.”
Fiction Favorites 
He gave it a good run, but got invited to breakfast anyway.
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That’s for sure.
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You fooled me – I didn’t guess the target was a squirrel.
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Made a couple of Eagles happy. Thanks, Esther.
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Oh for those never ending pesky squirrel’s 🙄
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One less now. 😀
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Whoo hoo!!
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😊
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Reminds me of a college friend who hunted squirrels on campus.
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😳
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You got me, John! lol I didn’t realize it was a squirrel. Good one!
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Thank you, Kymber.
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I wasn’t sure what was hunting what!
Circle of life is quite an adventure, isn’t it?
Well done, John!
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Thank you, Dale.
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But killing squirrels can’t be a good pastime. Best wishes, Michael
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For eagles, it is. Thanks, Michael.
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At least they are well that morning but poor little squirrel
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Nature is harsh.
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Awaiting Dan’s comment on this one…😬
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Ha ha ha 😀
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Killing a squirrel requires that laser focus. 🙂
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At least for an eagle.
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John, I was totally blindsided by this one. A squirrel?! Your story gives deeper meaning to the phrase “eagle-eyed.” 😉
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Thank you, Marie. 😊
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Well done! You surprised me once again!!
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So glad. Thanks for letting me know. 😊
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I wasn’t sure of the target but figured the tracker was a peregrine falcon or another bird of prey. Peregrines are the fastest birds in the world when they dive on prey. Magnificent birds.
Good take!
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Thank you, Noelle. You are quick.
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Like a peregrine? 🙂 🙂
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It seems to me that a squirrel will be a nice snack for an eagle, John. 😋
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I agree. That is what I had in mind.
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I thought there were birds of prey involved!
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Yup. Can’t fool you. 😊
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