joeislove's 100-word story for January 23, 2026

joeislove wrote the following micro-story on Hectalex on January 23, 2026. Each story on Hectalex is inspired by a daily visual prompt and must be exactly 100 words.

It hadn't rung in years. It was the only landline we still maintained at this office. The rest had been disconnected years ago. Not this one, though; we couldn't. When it rang, I knew who it was before I answered. It could only be him. This was the only number he had, and he hadn't checked in since 1997. There was only silence for almost ten seconds, and then: "I'm ready to come in." I nodded at Angela, who held up one finger. "Call back one hour for instructions." "Understood." And the click. I sighed. He'll be dead by morning.

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