simple load test

engine.py

@@ -11,6 +11,9 @@ from typing import Dict, List, Optional
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
 DEFAULT_BACKGROUND = "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1506744038136-46273834b3fb?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80"
+
+# Test URL to verify external images work
+TEST_IMAGE_URL = "https://picsum.photos/1200/800"
 POSITION_OFFSETS = {
     "left": "20%",
     "center": "50%",

story.py

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ from engine import (
     sprite_asset,
     audio_asset,
     create_sprite_data_url,
+    TEST_IMAGE_URL,
 )
 
 
@@ -31,8 +32,10 @@ def build_sample_story() -> List[SceneState]:
             ),
         ]
     )
+    # TEST: Use a known-working external URL to test if external images work at all
     builder.set_background(
-        background_asset('workshop_bg.png'),
+        TEST_IMAGE_URL,  # Testing with picsum.photos
+        label="Test External Image"
     )
     builder.set_stage(background_asset("p60-back-cover.png"))