xrmanx's 100-word story for April 17, 2025

xrmanx wrote the following micro-story on Hectalex on April 17, 2025. Each story on Hectalex is inspired by a daily visual prompt and must be exactly 100 words.

He closed the sliding door, muffling the thumps and chords of worthless pop in an instant. Wind brushed slowly through the cypress trees edging the backyard, trying and failing to move the empty cans and bottles it touched. The night sky wasn't impressive enough to be a well for his thoughts. LA's light pollution is worse than its smog, after all. His legs moved automatically to the edge of the ubiquitous pool, shedding sandals before slipping beneath the surface. The water was warm enough to draw him down the steps. His head slipped in too, cutting the world in half.

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