Today, I opened Eternal Road – The final stop randomly to page 143 and, with eyes closed, pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “direct.” This is our prompt today.
Direct by John W. Howell, © 2026
“You could be less direct, you know.”
“I don’t know. What do you mean?”
“Well, when I ask your opinion, you don’t have to come right to the point.”
“You want me to lie?”
“Not lie you oaf. Just be more subtle.”
“That’s a funny thing about you asking my opinion. I thought you wanted me to be honest.”
“Well, I do. I just think you could soften the response.”
“Give me an example.”
“The other day I asked if you thought I was gaining weight.”
“Yeah.”
“Instead of saying, ‘yes,’ you could have said, ‘I think you look wonderful.'”
“But you do look wonderful. That was not the question. It would be like answering a question about the weather with an order for dinner.”
“Not exactly. The question was designed to get a little assurance that you still love me.”
“But I still love you, fat or not.”
“Oh, there it is again.”
“Why don’t you ask me a question that can be answered without hurting your feelings?”
“Okay, I’ll give it a try. Do you find me attractive?”
“Yes, very.”
“Okay, that worked. What is it about me that you find attractive?”
“Your ability to catch fish.”
“Huh?”
“I love the way you can catch a fish without even trying.”
“I think this is heading in the wrong direction.”
“You and I both know that catching fish is very important.”
“So is love.”
“Who said anything about love?”
“So you do think I’m fat.”
“Absolutely. It’s the only way you’ll survive in this cold.”
“You know I could have had my pick of any sea lion on the ice.”
“I know, and you picked me, you cute as a button seal you.”
“Sweet talk will get you everywhere.”
“Let’s go fishing.”
Fiction Favorites 
such a cute snippet, John. You had me guessing right to that last sentence!
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Thank you, Jaye. So glad you liked it. 😊
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Props to you for nailing that word at the get. But as a fan of Tuesdays with Boss, I have a request. And you can tell me nah, I won’t take it personally. How’s about a cliffhanger word challenge post at some point? Where you leave that word hanging until the very end? Signed . . . a big fan.
Sea Lion Love Song . . it HAS to happen!
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I think that is a great idea, Marco. Let’s try it next Tuesday. 😊 Thanks for the idea. Gotta hope the word is a good one.
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Seriously? Coool!
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Yup. We will try it and see what happens. If it bombs, at least no one will die.
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Makes a good point about surviving the cold. Blubber is important.
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So true, Charles. 😊
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I am guessing you may be talking about ospreys.
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When we lived on the coast, we had a family of ospreys who would visit each morning. They were beautiful birds. No, these are sea lions.
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Totally wrong guess then. Thanks.
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😊
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This is so funny – I love the conversation between the two. I didn’t guess they were sea lions either. Nicely done, John.
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Thank you, Esther. I think this conversation could happen about any subject in any household.
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Imagining sea lions fishing on ice is lovely, John. Having the insulation of fat during the cold winter can be an advantage, I guess.
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I think the fat is necessary. Thanks, Tim.
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😊
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Excellent story John. I was guessing everything except seals. Reminds me of the wife who asked her husband if she looks fat. The husband replied, do I look stupid?
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Ha ha ha. Good one, Tom.
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“But I still love you, fat or not.” This guy has so much to learn.🙄 Very fun take!! 😂
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Of course, he is a sea lion and probably hasn’t had much practice with politics.
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An honest seal, I can see why catching fish might be a high compliment, John 🙂
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Ha ha ha. I guess it wasn’t taken that way. Thanks, Denise.
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Reminds me of my seal friend that asked me when l was going to get in shape…l told him “round is a shape”🐳
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*Ba bump tissh* Don’t forget to try the buffet. Good one, Jim.
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This is great, John! So glad I stopped by to read.
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🦭
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The golden 3 words to a woman…. “you’re not fat”. Oh well, they’re still friends and they’ll stay warm.. 😂
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Different cultures, different appreciations regarding erm… girth! I was thinking they might be whales but no… sea lions are fabulous!
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