magisternihil's 100-word story for April 7, 2026

magisternihil wrote the following micro-story on Hectalex on April 7, 2026. Each story on Hectalex is inspired by a daily visual prompt and must be exactly 100 words.

“Huh.” Sim leaned over the railing studying the spiral descent. “What is it?” asked Noc. She had learned to pay attention to the things he noticed but not give them much weight. “A pair of shoes. In all this time I haven’t seen any sign of anyone else besides you. Now there are shoes.” As they descended the stairs he bent to retrieve them. Noc stayed his arm. “Leave them.” “But what if they’re useful. What if they belong to someone?” he complained. Noc shook her head. “They were mine. We don’t need them.” She walked on without looking back.

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