MicroFiction: A 250 word story format that I often utilize to address the daily prompts. The story today is written using the word prompt "not so tolerant now".
...When I think of the word "tolerant", I'm inclined to think of myself and my personality. When younger, I was often accused of not being more open-minded and understanding on issues I felt strongly about. I must say that I refused to look at the "other side"of an issue. A long journey ensued that forced me to deal with my personality and the unfairness of it. I look back now with full acceptance of my personality and acknowledgement of the instances where intolerance is warranted and when it's not.
For my theme, I was inspired by and utilized the @daily.prompt's publishing of 21 July 2026, Freewriters Community Daily Writing Prompt Day 3171: not so tolerant now; together with:
25 July 2026, Freewriters Community Daily Writing Prompt Day 3175: bare minimum.
Below is my story:
"If you're seriously considering a career move into a profession you have no experience, please don't. That is, unless the new industry has an in-depth training program to acclimate you to its world," Herbert admonished.
Antonio ignored his brother's warning. He paused mid stride, staring for a long moment at the plastic cases outside on his apartment's balcony table. Giving up on changing me career path wasn't an option, he reasoned. One can't crawl back from betrayal burn-out.
"You don't understand what it's like daily. I'm weary of duping unsuspecting customers with lemons. Junk is what I'm convincing people to take home that only meets the bare minimum. After years of this, I find that I'm not so tolerant now. Nothing you say will hinder my decision. A restlessness has set in. Voices haunt me from dissatisfied customers stuffing purchase agreements down my throat. I'm afraid to close my eyes for fear of the nightmares."
Herbert rose, following Antonio outside, listening. He'd always known his brother wasn't suited for deceptive practices. That he fell into the used car business surprised him.
Antonio stood at the edge of the balcony canvassing the city. The plastic boxes rattled softly in his trembling palms.
He needed a sign, or at least a flavor strong enough to drown out the duplicity. One white pellet for the courage to step forward, and one cinnamon for the hope that he would land safely on the other side of integrity.
"Perhaps redemption will follow," Antonio fervently hoped.
Source...
Microficción: un formato de relato de 250 palabras que suelo utilizar para responder a los temas diarios. El relato de hoy está escrito a partir de la palabra clave «ya no soy tan tolerante».
...Cuando pienso en la palabra «tolerante», tiendo a pensar en mí misma y en mi personalidad. De joven, a menudo me acusaban de no ser más abierta y comprensiva con temas que me importaban mucho. Debo decir que me negaba a ver el «otro lado» de un asunto. Se produjo entonces un largo proceso que me obligó a enfrentarme a mi personalidad y a lo injusto que resultaba. Ahora miro atrás aceptando plenamente mi personalidad y reconociendo en qué casos la intolerancia está justificada y en cuáles no.
Para mi tema, me inspiré y utilicé la publicación de @daily.prompt de 21 July 2026, Freewriters Community Daily Writing Prompt Day 3171: not so tolerant now; together with:
25 July 2026, Freewriters Community Daily Writing Prompt Day 3175: bare minimum.
A continuación mi historia.
Los Tic-Tacs y el vendedor de coches de segunda mano
«Si te estás planteando en serio dar un giro a tu carrera para dedicarte a una profesión en la que no tienes experiencia, por favor, no lo hagas. A menos, claro está, que el nuevo sector cuente con un programa de formación exhaustivo que te permita adaptarte a su mundo», le advirtió Herbert.
Antonio hizo caso omiso de la advertencia de su hermano. Se detuvo en seco y se quedó mirando durante un largo rato las cajas de plástico que había sobre la mesa del balcón de su piso. Renunciar a cambiar de trayectoria profesional no era una opción, razonó. No se puede dar marcha atrás tras el agotamiento provocado por la traición.
«No entiendes cómo es el día a día. Estoy harto de engañar a clientes desprevenidos con productos defectuosos. Lo que estoy convenciendo a la gente de que se lleve a casa es basura que apenas cumple con los requisitos mínimos. Después de años así, me doy cuenta de que ya no soy tan tolerante. Nada de lo que digas va a cambiar mi decisión. Me ha invadido una inquietud. Me persiguen las voces de clientes insatisfechos que me obligaban a firmar contratos de compraventa. Me da miedo cerrar los ojos por temor a las pesadillas».
Herbert se levantó y siguió a Antonio al exterior, escuchando. Siempre había sabido que su hermano no estaba hecho para las prácticas engañosas. Le sorprendió que se hubiera metido en el negocio de los coches de segunda mano.
Antonio se quedó de pie al borde del balcón, contemplando la ciudad. Las cajitas de plástico traqueteaban suavemente en sus manos temblorosas. Necesitaba una señal, o al menos un sabor lo suficientemente fuerte como para ahogar la hipocresía. Una bolita blanca para tener el valor de dar un paso adelante, y otra de canela para la esperanza de aterrizar a salvo al otro lado de la integridad.
«Quizá llegue la redención», esperaba Antonio con fervor.
Source...
The screenshot at WORDCOUNTER.net evidences my use of exactly 250 words to create my ZapFic250.
La captura de pantalla en WORDCOUNTER.net evidencia mi uso de exactamente 250 palabras para crear mi ZapFic250.
https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/justclickindiva/EoH1G5DMaji7R5CHj5uRraPaV3Z7UYhdZAoRQkW2S8zC9PZsTpBTD6YRohoidQfbWSQ.jpg
https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/justclickindiva/EoPRXZTAry8UspK3MbaP2w9Xb5oeq5fFazUTawB289wsmdSszSc5QZHEXzehQZdbD6N.jpg
https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/justclickindiva/23u5tfAi3wr2kfjQW6ykYRXBiwcKF3g837a8U2twSHe79PMwMCvTYb2SRFnh8TYLWguiL.png
https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/justclickindiva/23wXLKG5ZaoEh8V42oNvJ76LSJVAjNGJCug2YJ7HnHYC1UF3vWFGAnVE7dM1PgHYM6trx.jpg
SOURCES:
a) JustClickindiva's Footer created in Canva utilizing its free background and images used with permission from discord admins.
b) Unless otherwise noted, all photos taken by me with my (i) Samsung Galaxy 10" Tablet, (ii) Samsung Phone, & (iii) FUJI FinePix S3380 - 14 Mega Pixels Digital Camera
c) Purple Butterfly part of purchased set of Spiritual Clip Art for my Personal Use
d) All Community logos, banners, page dividers used with permission of Discord Channel admins.
e) Ladies of Hive banner used with permission of and in accordance with the admin's guidelines
f) Thumbnail Image created by me in Canva.
g) "Flames." What is Apophysis 2.09. https://flam3.com/
If translation included, I use DeepL to assist my readers.
Thanks for your patience an understanding.
Si se incluye traducción, utilizo DeepL para ayudar a mis lectores.
Gracias por su paciencia y comprensión.
5 comments
!BEER
I feel Antonio's pain and the need to get out of the used car business. Herbert's warning is sensible—changing careers without experience is risky unless training is provided. But peace of mind matters most to Antonio. I hope the white and cinnamon pellets work and his new path restores his sense of integrity. A fine and thought-provoking piece. Take care. 🌹
Yes, @kemmyb. Peace of mind is the ultimate goal in any career. But we can't always achieve it. The next best thing is find a position where we can at least have a good night's sleep without nightmares of our waking hours mistreatment of others.
Thanks for your visit and sound analysis. I appreciate it. Take care.
The world needs more men like Antonio, willing to walk away from the proceeds of unrighteousness ... "Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled!"
We certainly do. Unfortunately not many can afford to walk away. Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your wise words. Take care.