Today, I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 141. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger was “document.” This is our prompt.
Document by John W. Howell © 2026
“So what did they say?”
“I need a document from the doctor.”
“Document? What kind of document?”
“They won’t let me stay there until I get a complete bill of health.”
“You look healthy.”
“I know. The parents are pretty upset.”
“About what?”
“Well, they wanted me to go to camp, as you know.”
“You still can after the doctor’s visit.”
“That’s just it. The doctor can’t see me until next week.”
“So?”
“The camp starts this week.”
“Still, you can go to the next session.”
“That’s true, but the parents had planned to go on a trip while I was away.”
“Can’t they postpone a week?”
“I heard them say something about no refunds on the tickets.”
“Yeah, that does hit hard. You wanna come stay at my house?”
“You’d better ask your parents before the offer.”
“Nah. Here’s how we play it. We’ll go to my house, and I’ll look all excited to have you there.”
“What does that do?”
“My parents will feel sorry for you and let you stay until they can contact your parents. Once they do, hopefully, your parents will let mine know the fix they are in. My parents will offer to keep you. Problem solved.”
“Sounds great. Just one hitch.”
“What’s that?”
“How will they be able to contact my parents?”
“Your collar.”
“Huh?”
“Your phone number is on your collar. Now, let’s go.”
“You are a pal.”
Fiction Favorites 
Sounds like a good plan.
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Thanks, Charles.
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Had to be a dog! Not sure they’re going to get the message across though. They need apposable thumbs! Loved this, brought on a big smile.
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I’m glad you got a smile, Noelle.
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Awww, pets have all the answers 🙂
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They do. Thanks, Barbara.
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Staying with a friend could be more enjoyable than a kennel.
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I think so, too. 😊
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Plan something for the whole family and take him along. That’s what we always did.
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Yup. With Frenchies, that is a must.
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There’s always room for one more.
I love the twist, John.
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Thanks, Dan. 😊
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Oh, my heart. All the feels, John.
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Thanks, Lois.
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Smart pup! Hope they can pull it off 😉
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I’m sure they will. Thanks, Marie.
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Awww. It takes some strategic planning for sure. 😁 I love this, John.
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Thank you, Jan
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A twist to make us smile 😊
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I’m glad you got a smile, Esther.
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Don’t you love it when the “kids” make the arrangements and expect the parents to go along? Well crafted, John!
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Yes indeed. Thank you, Debbie.
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Dogs!!
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Yes. Dogs. Gotcha, right?
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Yup!!
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YAY.
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Everybody needs a bus like that.
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Yes, they do. Thanks, Monika.
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Gah…make that *bud like that (not bus). Can’t believe I made that typo. Sorry.
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I knew what you meant. 😊
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You’re too kind, John. Thanks.
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😊
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Cute story of friendship, giving a dry word some charm. 😊
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Thank you, Michele. It is a dry word for sure. 😊
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I did not guess it was a dog until the end. This is a pretty good story.
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Thank you, Thomas. 😁
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Great twist at the end.
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Thank you, Jacqui. 😊
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Canines planning a vacation. Nicely done.
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hank you, Rebecca
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You really had me there, John. That was great!
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Glad you liked it, Jenny.
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🙂
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😁
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