To place a strain on a person or a situation almost never ends well. I know from experience the feeling of pressure. Resolving it is sometimes complex depending on the circumstances. I call this tension "stressors". And I try to avoid people or situations that may cause me undue tension. Especially individuals whose intent is to upset me.
This week's ZAPFIC Monday challenge centers around the prompt "strain" and brought back memories of people no longer in my circle of friends. Family members can be included in those scenarios. I share a story on those lines.
The ZAPFICMonday challenge was created by @felt.buzz and consists of a story told in 240 characters or less. Quite a feat to accomplish. If you're interested, visit the current challenge post: Monday 27th October 2025... #ZapFicMonday: ZapFic240! The "Original" ZapFic: Write a story using 240 characters OR less!.
My story is below:
Were it not for the flue that wouldn't cease, forcing a sick day,
Maurice would've never discovered the truth.
All's well his wife assured.
He'd no idea accepting a travel position would lead to a strain on their marriage.
His son exposed her.
Source
Presionar a una persona o una situación casi nunca acaba bien. Sé por experiencia lo que es sentir presión. Resolverla a veces es complicado, dependiendo de las circunstancias. Yo llamo a esta tensión «factores estresantes». Y trato de evitar a las personas o situaciones que pueden causarme una tensión innecesaria. Especialmente a las personas cuya intención es molestarme.
El reto del lunes de ZAPFIC de esta semana se centra en la palabra «presión» y me ha traído recuerdos de personas que ya no forman parte de mi círculo de amigos. Los familiares también pueden incluirse en esos casos. Comparto una historia sobre ese tema.
El reto ZAPFICMonday fue creado por @felt.buzz y consiste en una historia contada en 240 caracteres o menos. Si te interesa, visita el post del reto actual: Monday 27th October 2025... #ZapFicMonday: ZapFic240! The "Original" ZapFic: Write a story using 240 characters OR less!.
Mi historia está abajo:
El hilo más delgado
Si no hubiera sido por la gripe que no remitía, obligándole a tomarse un día libre por enfermedad,
Maurice nunca habría descubierto la verdad.
Todo va bien, le aseguró su esposa.
No tenía ni idea de que aceptar un puesto que le obligaba a viajar supondría una tensión para su matrimonio.
Su hijo la delató.
Source
I leave here the screenshot evidencing the 240-character limit for my story for ZAPFIC Monday (Week of 10/27/25):
Aquí dejo la captura de pantalla que muestra el límite de 240 caracteres para mi historia para ZAPFIC Monday (Semana del 27/10/25)::
RULES:
Post to the Freewriters Community.
Use one or more of the tags: #zapfic; #zapficmonday; #zapfic240.
Please use a word/character counter (if you search for word counter on the internet or in your phone's app store you will get a big choice!) word counter.net and include a screenshot. This makes it easier for you and @felt.buzz!
Use the prompt provided as you see fit (use your imagination)
You have 3 days (until Thursday 23h59 GMT) to post a Zapfic (a story written in 240 characters or less) using the prompt given.
Try to tell a complete story if you can!
The story should only be 240 characters long (including spaces)
NORMAS:
Postear en la comunidad de Freewriters.
Utiliza una o varias de las etiquetas #zapfic; #zapficmonday; #zapfic240
Por favor, utiliza un contador de palabras/caracteres (¡si buscas contador de palabras en internet o en la tienda de aplicaciones de tu teléfono tendrás una gran selección!) wordcounter.net e incluye una captura de pantalla. Así será más fácil para ti y para @feltbuzz.
Utiliza el texto como mejor te parezca (usa tu imaginación).
Dispones de 3 días (hasta el jueves a las 23h59 GMT) para publicar un Zapfic (una historia escrita en 240 caracteres o menos) utilizando el tema propuesto.
Intenta contar una historia completa si puedes.
La historia debe tener sólo 240 caracteres (espacios incluidos).
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.
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It is absolutely true that the problems of life can never end, yet we have to enjoy our life thoughtfully. If we keep thinking only about tension, we will become sick and will not be able to enjoy life at all.
Interesting how unfortunate things become the ones that propel us to better ways. It's certainly unlucky for him to catch that flu, yet if it weren't for that, he would have stayed ignorant of that truth. Fate does have a strange way of revealing things.