magisternihil's 100-word story for August 13, 2025

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

It was their own fault for being so interfering. On day one of the build the Needling Downs Homeowners Association had arrived, all sneers and tutting, insisting on seeing his plans. They immediately insisted on changes. After a few months, the interference became unbearable. Charlie sat up late one night, reading through the guidelines they had delivered to his hands heavy with expectations. His final house, he was delighted to tell them, met all of the requirements down to the letter. The judge agreed. It wasn’t his dream house, but it was their nightmare and that was just as good.

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