magisternihil's 100-word story for January 30, 2026

magisternihil wrote the following micro-story on Hectalex on January 30, 2026. Each story on Hectalex is inspired by a daily visual prompt and must be exactly 100 words.

Godfrey climbed the narrow staircase trying to ignore the stabbing pain in his knees, knowing that the descent would be worse. His attic had a spectacular panoramic view of the ocean far below, its surface dotted with sailboats and canoes. If you look out the opposite window you had a less impressive view of the neighbor’s basement door. He almost fell taking the last step, but caught himself. How long would he have to keep doing that climb? “Zlamacka, how do you keep getting up here?” The cat stared back at him indifferently from her perch and resumed her song.

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