Today, I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 63 and, with my eyes closed, pointed to the page. The word nearest my finger was “responsible.” That is our prompt today.

Responsible by John W. Howell © 2026

“All right. Who do you think is responsible for this mess, Jackson?”

“You think someone is going to own up to this?”

“They’d better, if they know what’s good for them.”

“I think you are dreaming if you think someone will step forward.”

“Well, let’s just see, shall we. Johnson.”

“Yes, sir.”

“What do you know about this mess?”

“Nothing, sir.”

“You sure?”

” Yes, sir. I am.”

“Baker.”

“Yes, sergeant.”

“What do you know?”

“Nothing, sir.”

“Figures. You covering for someone?”

“No,o sir. I just got here, sir.”

“Wier.”

“Ye,s sir.”

“How about you?”

“All I know is the call went out to gather here. By the time I got here, this mess was already made.”

“This was supposed to be our lunch. Johnson.”

“Ye,s sir.”

“Who else was here besides you three?”

“I hate to say this, Sarge, but a few gulls were flying away when I got here.”

“Gulls?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Didn’t I tell you to watch our lunch while I got a few more fish?”

“They were so quick, sir.”

“You are an ospre,y for heaven’s sake. You could have taken them out.”

“Gulls are nasty, sir.”

“I’m not saying eat them. You could have scared them away.”

“Next time, sir.”

“You three go get more fish. I’ll stay here with Jackson and guard the one left. Now go.”