Today I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 151. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page, and the word closest to my finger was “first.” That is our prompt today.
First by John W. Howell, © 2026
“When did you first see him?”
“The first time? Let me see. I think it was last winter.”
“What about him did you notice first?”
“Oh, that’s easy. He had a bright red coat.”
“Where were you?”
“Well, he startled me, and so I ducked behind this huge tree.”
“What happened next?”
“My heart was beating so fast I was sure he would hear it.”
“Did he ever see you?”
“No, I stayed out of sight.”
“What else can you remember?”
“I could tell he was fit, but he had on a hat, so it was hard to see his face.”
“Did you see him again?”
“In the spring, I saw him walking with a girl in the woods.”
“Okay, is that the last time?”
“Yes.”
“I want to warn you that this man is dangerous.”
“How so?”
“You were lucky he did not see you last winter. He’s a killer.”
“How can that be? When he was with the girl, he seemed nice and was smiling.”
“Yeah, his type always puts on a good facade. Just do me a favor.”
“What’s that?”
“If you see him again, stay out of sight.”
“Why?”
“His type is not fussy about shooting Does. That’s why.”
“But that is illegal.”
“Tell him that if you dare. You have been warned.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“Just doing my duty as herd commander.”
Fiction Favorites 
Wait. It’s illegal to shoot female deer?
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Yup, unless you have a special license.
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They do always put on that good facade, don’t they. Great imagination, John. Hugs. 🤗
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Thank you, Teagan. Hugs. 😊
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Are you channeling your inner Sheep Detective?
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I might be my inner deer detective, but not sheep. 😊
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Sorry John. Wrong herd. 😁
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Ha ha ha
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You got me again, John. At first I thought it was Santa, lol!
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I like that. Santa would be good. Thanks, Teri
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Yes, John. If he’s hunting, he should have a license and know the rules, but it’s still better for the doe to avoid being seen.
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I agree, Tim. 😀
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😊
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😀
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Another totally unexpected twist, John. Love it!
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Thank you, Jan. Happy you liked it.
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I got thrown off by the bright red coat and hat! I was thinking a male cardinal or a fox!
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Yes! Male cardinal was my first thought, too!
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Uh huh. Glad I gotcha. 😊
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You did!
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😊
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Well, ts a hunter who doesn’t want to get shot. 😀
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Always listen to the herd commander.
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Yup.
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Good for the herd commander!
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I would say so
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Every successful herd needs its commander…l had one of the best for many years. I still miss him and think of him often. 🐳
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He was the best. He and I had so many laughs.
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Yes he was, a true gentleman, a loyal and unwavering friend and a man totally devoid of personal guile.
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😊 Who loved martinis almost as much as I did.
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Ha! Didn’t expect does. Excellent finger point prompt, John!
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Thank you, Monika. Always good to hear.
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Lesson learned 😜
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😊
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Didn’t see that one coming. Nicely done!
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Thanks, Laura. 😀
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Good advice from the one in charge.
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Yup.
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