Today I randomly opened Eternal Road- the final stop to page 245. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word “Amazes” is closest to my finger. This is our prompt.

Amazes by John W. Howell © 2026

“You know what amazes me?”

“What?”

“The way those guys move on top of the water.”

“I never gave it much thought, but you are right.”

“You know what else?”

“No, what?”

“They go so fast.”

“Also, have you noticed how much they disturb the water near the shallows?”

‘They sure do kick up the sand for sure.”

“I have to laugh when they stop and sit too.”

“I know. They have no idea that we know what they are up to.”

“They throw that thing into the water and have a stupid worm skewered to it.”

“They must think we are stupid. Everybody knows there are no worms down here.”

“Everybody except those goofy sunfish.”

“Hey, look at that.”

“What?”

“They just tossed a perfectly good-looking frog into the water.”

“Why would they do that? Frogs are good eatin’.”

“I don’t know, but I’m not going to look at a gift horse in the mouth. That frog is going to be my lunch.”

“As a small-mouth bass, you can take that with one gulp.”

“You bet I can. Watch.”

“Bon Appétit, Leroy.”

 

 

Today, I opened Eternal Road – The final stop randomly to page 167. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “horses.” That is our prompt today.

Horses by John W. Howell © 2016

“So, you look funny.”

“How so?”

“I don’t know. You have this look on your face.”

“Of happiness?”

“Exactly. Why is that?”

“Today is the day I get to ride a horse.”

“That does sound exciting. Where is this going to happen?”

“Out at the barn. Old Man McDonald just got one.”

“That is a surprise. I thought he was committed to vehicles only.”

“Oh, I don’t think he got it for work. I think he wants to ride it himself.”

“I must say it has been a long time coming.”

“I know, right? It has been especially hard on the two of us.”

“Yeah, having to make do with no horse. When are you going there?”

“Well, McDonald just finished his lunch, so I expect we will be going pretty soon. Why don’t you come along?”

“You don’t think two will be a crowd, do you?”

“No. You’ve waited long enough. Besides, aren’t you tired of hanging out with cows?”

“You said it. Can’t wait to taste horse again.”

“After all, we aren’t named cowflies.”

“Yeah, we are proud horse flies and deserve a horse.”

“Here comes McDonald.”

“We flying or hopping on his back.”

“Let’s do back. So much easier.

 

Today I randomly opened The Last Drive to page 145 and, with my eyes closed, pointed to the page. The word nearest my finger is “system.”  That is our prompt today.

System by John W. Howell © 2026

“How do I get out of this?”

“I don’t think you can.”

“Why not?”

“You have to go through the system. No one just gets out.”

“But I don’t understand the system.”

“Ignorance is no excuse. If you do the crime, you need to do the time.”

“But that’s just it. I didn’t do anything.”

“If I’ve heard that once, I’ve heard it a thousand times.”

“So you’re not going to let me go?”

“Nope. Only the judge can do that.”

“I want my lawyer.”

“Of course you do. Until your lawyer gets here, you’ll stay put.”

“Can you and I make a deal?”

“Oh, so now you want to bribe your way out?”

“Call it a gift.”

“You have nothing I want. I would just sit down and behave myself before more charges are added.”

“What charges are on me now?”

“Let’s see. Destruction of property, assault with intent to harm, public indecency, trespassing, running loose without a license, and avoiding arrest.”

“It’s not my fault.”

“And why is that?”

“My owner left the gate open.”

“So that gave you permission to tear up the newspaper, bite the animal control officer, poop in the neighbor’s yard, run uncontrolled through the neighborhood, and dodge the animal control officer.”

“Well, yes. I was confused. Out of my element.”

“Tell it to the judge.”

 

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.”

 

 

 

Today I randomly opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 131. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “compliment.” That is our prompt today.

Compliment by John W. Howell © 2026

“You look gorgeous.”

“Why, thank you. That is a nice compliment.”

“I mean it. What are you all gussied up for?”

“I have some plans for tonight.”

“Oh, do tell. Well, I’m heading out to our favorite place.”

“Our favorite watering hole, you mean.”

“Yes, you can call it that.”

“Then what?”

“Then what. I’m going to dance with every lady I meet.”

“Pretty sure of yourself, aren’t we?”

“Look at me. Don’t you think I should be sure?”

“Okay. You’re right. So after the dancing, what?”

“You have to ask?”

“I suppose not. What if there is one of these bullies who gets jealous?”

“I’m sure I can handle myself.”

“Sure, you don’t need a friend to go along?”

“No offense, but a hyena does not exactly instill the idea of romance.”

“No offense taken. You cheetas are pretty much loaners anyway.”

“Okay then. Wish me luck.”

“I don’t think luck has anything to do with it.”

“Right you are.”

 

Today I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 265. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “conference.” This is the prompt today.

Conference by John W. Howell © 2026

“Another boring conference.”

“Oh, come on. You say that every year, and then you have a good time in spite of yourself.”

“You’ll have to remind me.”

“Remember last year you took a dive into the pool at midnight?”

“Hmm. I don’t remember that.”

“You don’t? Well, you made quite a hit with the ladies the next day. Everyone was talking about it.”

“Where was I?”

“I think you slept late.”

“See what I mean? Even when having fun, I miss out.”

“The year before you decided to do those belly slides.”

“Now I remember that. Took a week for my belly to stop glowing.”

“You also led the sing-along.”

“Oh yes. The limericks. I remember it got out of hand.”

“The only thing that got out of hand was the fish swallowing.”

“My face turns red when I think about that.”

“I still wonder what made you think you could swallow a whole mackerel?”

“The fact I couldn’t still haunts me. I think it might have been the fermented sushi.”

“And mooning that great white.”

“Please stop. I can’t take any more.”

“We all fell about laughing when he chased you up onto the ice.”

“Lucky for me, penguins are faster on ice than sharks.”

“So loighten up. Everyone’s looking forward to what you’re going to pull this year.”

“I’ll try not to disappoint.

 

 

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.”

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.”