thaopixelpoet's 100-word story for July 13, 2025

thaopixelpoet wrote the following micro-story on Hectalex on July 13, 2025. Each story on Hectalex is inspired by a daily visual prompt and must be exactly 100 words.

Gold, glistening curtains of sunset light drapes on the maple forest. Shadows of crimson and vermillion intertwine at my feet, guiding my deep breathes of cold, crisp air further in the quiet beauty of Mother Nature. The maple tree trunks reach for the sky, a kind of steady, humble, unyielding growth that I wish I had in my youth. At 64, I’ve had a “successful life.” Wife, kids, corporate money. But in solitude, I find the emptiness unbearable — I’ve never acted on my passion of pursuing academia because it “doesn’t pay.” I’m haunted by “what ifs” every night. What if —

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