Today, I readomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 147. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word nearest to my finger is “complicated.” This is our prompt today.

Complicated by John W. Howell © 2026

“It’s complicated.”

“All I asked was how come you two are not together.”

“And I’m telling you there are complications to an easy answer.”

“I mean, you and he are always together.”

“Today we are not.”

“What happened? Is he sick?”

“No, nothing like that.”

“I guess I’m not going to get an answer.”

“As a friend, I guess you deserve an answer.”

“As a concerned friend.”

“Well, you know how he and I have worked together to build our house.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“And you know how delightful the property is with the beautiful lake and all.”

“I do. It is a special place. You two have done wonders.”

“We have had a slight argument.”

“Oh goodness, what about?”

“He thinks we should move and start another.”

“Why on Earth should you do that?”

“According to him, it is our duty to the environment.”

“So where is he now?”

“Off scouting another location. One that would benefit from our skills.”

“You mean a barren place with a trickle of water.”

“Exactly.”

“You guys do build nice dams for sure.”

“I just wish we could settle down in one place.”

“Maybe someday.”

“It’s not easy being a beaver.”