thaopixelpoet's 100-word story for June 11, 2025

thaopixelpoet wrote the following micro-story on Hectalex on June 11, 2025. Each story on Hectalex is inspired by a daily visual prompt and must be exactly 100 words.

After getting his turkey panini, Charles stood still in horror at the sight of his house engulfed by flames. Towers of screeching fire reached up the dark sky, fusing smoke with clouds. His turkey panini dropped. Charles raced towards the house, easily penetrating through the falling frames and toxic fumes. He needed to save his elderly parents. Terror dyed his face. They weren't there. What if they already burned to ashes? He would never forgive himself. Charles let out a desperate cry, hands on his head. He felt a band. Charles forgot to take out his new ultra-realistic VR headset.

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