Hide's 100-word story for August 12, 2025

Hide wrote the following micro-story on Hectalex on August 12, 2025. Each story on Hectalex is inspired by a daily visual prompt and must be exactly 100 words.

“Can we… slow… down?” I huff, trying to keep up with Neal as he jogs tirelessly. “Less talking, more running!” His voice echoes eerily in the fog. I would roll my eyes, but I can barely breathe. When Neal asked if I wanted to get in shape, at first I was on board. When he told me it was actually so he could run up the stairs at dawn on the solstice to summon a shadow demon, I was slightly less enthusiastic, but he’s helped me out a lot. So we started jogging. Every morning. At least I’m fit now?

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