Today, I randomly opened The Eternal Road – The last stop to page 253. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word nearest my finger is “content.” That is our prompt.
Content by John W. Howell © 2026
“Well, you look content.”
“Makes you jealous, doesn’t it?”
“Not really. I have had enough to eat, and the expanded content of my stomach tells me it is nap time.”
“I’m not sure I understand the concept of enough to eat.”
“What do you mean?”
“I always feel hungry, is what I mean.”
“You are kidding.”
“No. Even when I have just finished a big meal, I could eat more.”
“That is a sad situation.”
“Tell me. MY content factor is usually pretty low.”
“I’ve always wondered why you seem to be moving all the time.”
“I guess I’m trying to forget my discontent.”
“I don’t understand why you remain so thin.”
“Must be the metabolism.”
“I’m surprised you don’t take food from others when we are dining.”
“That wouldn’t be right. Besides, I may be hungry, but I’m not a fighter.”
“You would definitely get into fights, taking food from others. So when do you get extra food?”
“I don’t. I just live with it.”
“Well, I’m sorry about your condition.”
“I appreciate your sympathy. It’s no laughing matter.”
“That is a sad state of affairs for a hyena.”
“Tell me.”
It’s good the hyena doesn’t try to take another’s food, John, even if he isn’t full enough to be satisfied. 😊
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Yes, it is. Might be cause for a ruckus. Thanks, Tim
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😊
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😊
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Sounds rough for a hyena. Can’t even snag bones to eat.
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Yeah, poor thing.
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I’ve never heard of a hyena that didn’t advocate for his fair share. Good one, John!
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Thank you, Monika. 😀 Fair share might be relative.
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With hyenas, it always is. 😊
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That is for sure. 😀
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Hyenas are a true “low down” species…you would be too if you had to drag your butt in the dirt all day long🐳
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I guess I would. Thanks, Jim
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I knew a hyena years ago. He was very funny. Kept all his buddies laughing. Thats my story and I’m sticking to it !!
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I may know that guy. Thanks, Tom.
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haha! Oh, this was good! A hyena….I never would have guessed.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it, Lois. My job is done here. 😀
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Okay, this one stumped me. A hyena! We once watched a family of hyenas on a safari in Kenya. Amazing family structure. They lived in partial caves as a group with lots of kits, who kept running away. The dads patiently brought them back. Mamas were out hunting!
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Good on those dads. Thanks for sharing, Noelle.
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Sounds like today’s animal is a cat.
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Nope, a Hyena.
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Doh! Got me again. I was convinced it was a vulture.
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Could certainly have been a vulture.
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Thanks, John!
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😊
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You’re welcome, John.
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😀
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Rough gig being a scavenger.
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Yes, it is. 😀
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Good mystery. I didn’t guess who was talking until the second to last line despite the clues.
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The way I like it. Thanks, Rebecca.
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I didn’t guess it was a hyena. Good fool!
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I’m so glad. Thanks, Esther.
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Always hungry, that was our Labrador Baylor. He was food crazy. Well I guess all dogs, are like that more or less. I guess Hyenas too.
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I think so, Thomas. 😀
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No way I was going to figure out which creatures were chatting. A hyena might not take away food from others but will gladly take their leftovers!
Fun stuf. Always.
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Yes, leftovers for sure. Thanks, Dale.
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A brilliant twist!
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Oh, thank you, Jan
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Ha! I really thought this was a conversation between two humans. Well done, John!
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Thank you, Marie.
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Food and a nap. Isn’t that every man’s dream?
Laughing matters, for sure.
Your stories wind around and around, John, yet they find me content.
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Had me guessing until the end. A funny one at that.
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Glad you enjoyed it, Michele. 😊
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That was a surprise ending. Well done on the prompt, John.
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Thank you, Jennie. 😊
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You’re welcome.
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😊
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Man, you made quick work of the challenge this week! And in so doing, you inspired me with possible names for a cover band. The Sad Hyenas was top of my list thanks to you. I could see it. Hear it. Both!
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Sad Hyenas has a ring to it. 😀
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Thanks, I thought so too.
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Ha ha ha
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