Life's Curveball | ZAPFIC MONDAY (11/24/25) | Prompt: college (universidad)

in Freewriters9 days ago

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This week's ZAPFIC Monday challenge centers around the prompt "college". An easy word to interpret and formulate a flash fiction story. I used the traditional definition of the word for inspiration for a thoughtful view of anticipation by a young adult expecting to take the next step in life to independence and adulthood.

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 24th November 2025! #ZapFicMonday: ZapFic240! The "Original" ZapFic: Write a story using 240 characters OR less!

My story is below:

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Michelle sat quietly in the back row, head down while classmates discussed after-graduation plans.

Conversations centered on college life, sororities, parties, and freedom from parents.

Tears welled up.

A recent diagnosis squashed that dream.

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Source

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El desafío ZAPFIC Monday de esta semana se centra en la palabra «universidad». Una palabra fácil de interpretar y utilizar para crear una historia de ficción breve. Utilicé la definición tradicional de la palabra como inspiración para ofrecer una visión reflexiva de la expectación de un joven adulto que espera dar el siguiente paso en su vida hacia la independencia y la edad adulta.

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 24th November 2025! #ZapFicMonday: ZapFic240! The "Original" ZapFic: Write a story using 240 characters OR less!.

Mi historia está abajo:

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La curva de la vida

Michelle se sentó en silencio en la última fila, con la cabeza gacha, mientras sus compañeros discutían sus planes para después de la graduación.

Las conversaciones giraban en torno a la vida universitaria, las hermandades, las fiestas y la libertad respecto a los padres.

Se le llenaron los ojos de lágrimas.

Un diagnóstico reciente había acabado con ese sueño.

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Source

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I leave here the screenshot evidencing the 240-character limit for my story for ZAPFIC Monday (11/24/25):

Aquí dejo la captura de pantalla que muestra el límite de 240 caracteres para mi historia para ZAPFIC Monday(24/11/25):

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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).

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Good luck everyone with whatever your endeavors.

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SUPPORTS THESE COMMUNITIES:

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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/

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English is my native language.
If translation included, I use DeepL to assist my readers.
Thanks for your patience an understanding
.

El inglés es mi lengua materna.
Si se incluye traducción, utilizo DeepL para ayudar a mis lectores.
Gracias por su paciencia y comprensión.

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This is beautifully written! I can imagine what it feels like for one to lose out on a dream due to circumstances beyond their control. But that's exactly how life goes.

Thanks for sharing your short story. I'm glad I found your account again after all these years. I hope to keep reading from you.😊

Hello @yechee. Yes, I remember you. How have you been? I've been here this whole time trudging away. Health reasons have forced me to slow down a bit, so not as active posting daily.

You know, life's trials come in all directions. Plans have to be altered to accommodate. That doesn't mean those plans my never materialize, but just placed on hold. Then again, sometimes life takes us in other directions, and gives us new goals to achieve. Heartbreaking situations at the time because we sometimes can't see past the lost opportunities. I've been in several situations in my life under those circumstances. As a senior citizen now, I often reflect on the different paths I took.

Thanks so much for remembering me and deciding to visit again. I'm pleased you found my story true to life and appreciate the lovely compliment. Take care and have a good rest of your week and holiday if you celebrate.

Aha! I'm glad to hear that you remember me. Well, there's been a part of my life filled with the ups and downs, but lately, I've been ALL well. I have hope for more good things to come.

Thank you, too, for this quick summary about your thoughts on life's twists and to correct the impression that every awful situation means a permanent stop to achieving one's dream. I truly value the perspective shared and I do hope to continue in the path of active introspection now that I am actually young.

Lastly, you're welcome. And thanks for the warm wishes for the season. I'm sorry about your health and I wish you more strength and positivity to carry on through this period. Enjoy the rest of your week, Diva.❤️

Hello @lee1938. I appreciate you sharing my flash fiction story. Thanks for your support. Take care.

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