Today I randomly opened The Last Drive to page 159 and, with my eyes closed, pointed to the page. My finger was closest to the word “attached.” This is our prompt today.

Attached by John W. Howell © 2026

“Are you still here?”

“Well, yes. I think we have unfinished business.”

“As far as I’m concerned, we are no longer attached, so I would like it if you moved on.”

“What do you mean, ‘No longer attached?’ What about love?”

“What’s love got to do with it? I gave you the best years of my life, and now here we are.”

“But didn’t those years count?”

“Of course they did. We had some good times, but now life dictates that you move on.”

“Life?”

“Yup. I have to prepare for another.”

“Another? You mean you found another?”

“Not exactly found. I’m having another baby.”

“Oh my. That is a surprise.”

“For me too. That’s why you must go. Find someone new and start a family.”

“But you are my mother.”

“Sure I am, but you see another Joey is coming and there’s no room in the pouch for the two of you.”

“So you still love me?”

“Of course. Nature dictates that you move on, though.”

“Okay. Can’t fight nature.”

“Watch out for the dingos.”

“I will. G’day, Mom.”

“G’day, son.”