magisternihil's 100-word story for January 14, 2026

magisternihil wrote the following micro-story on Hectalex on January 14, 2026. Each story on Hectalex is inspired by a daily visual prompt and must be exactly 100 words.

A sketchbook, a bundle of pencils, a pair of jeans, three pair of underpants, four t-shirts, a sweater, a small bag of toiletries, and a worn copy of Chesterton’s ‘Manalive’. That was the complete contents of Doran’s case and in his opinion, all he would ever need. He told his parents he needed to be free, to travel the land, and see the open road. He carried that case on the back of his beat up yellow Bug and made it precisely 9.24 miles before the engine gave out. It was a long walk home, but he was free.

Want to write flash fiction like this? Join the daily challenge at Hectalex.com and discover how powerful 100 words can be.