Between Two Fires: Miss Campbell's Struggle with Family Dynamics: contos, #1

By Ricardo Almeida

Step into the heart of the commotion where the resonating sounds of construction blend with the fiery exchanges between strong-willed women. In this gripping narrative, the grand yet empty room becomes the stage for Agnes and her female colleagues, their vociferous disputes and remarkable determination reverberating against the walls with a palpable intensity. As the plastering process continues, tensions flare and emotions run high, revealing a complex web of camaraderie and conflict within the team. Witness the clash of wills as Agnes, a mother of three, stands her ground amidst accusations and challenges, fiercely defending her position with a mix of wit and unwavering resilience. Amidst the relentless banter and confrontations, the women's resilience and dedication shine through, casting a spotlight on the unwavering spirit of these workers. Dive into this vibrant tale where the clash of personalities meets the intricacies of labor, and where every stroke of the trowel marks not just the completion of a wall, but also the strength and fortitude of the human spirit.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ricardo Almeida
• Release date: Nov 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223491064

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Table of Contents

Between Two Fires: Miss Campbell's Struggle with Family Dynamics (contos, #1)

The sounds characteristic of the plastering process spread freely throughout the vast

space.

They were accompanied by the loud breathing of the women.

The empty room had excellent acoustics, and Agnes' lively voice resonated sharply against

the wall.

Ladies, as I look at you, I am amazed.

You work with such ferocity and determination as if your lives depended on these walls.

From an outsider's perspective, using modern language, it resembles some wild scheme.

The women simultaneously glanced in Agnes' direction, but remained silent.

Only from the adjacent room did someone audaciously reply.

If all you do is talk like you, then you won't earn anything.

That's why we're all here, working hard.

We all want to eat, and we have children to feed too.

Agnes set aside her tools and sat on a bucket.

She turned her head toward the unexpectedly confrontational opponent.

Hey, Mrs. Wright, I recognized your voice, and I want to tell you something.

Maybe you're not aware that I have three children who are in school.

By law, I could work every other day, but I don't take any privileges.

You understand?

I work here alongside everyone else.

Mrs. Campbell couldn't tolerate the provocative impudence from a member of her team.

Agnes, stop talking.

Not only are you distracting people from their work, but you're also spreading untrue information.

The provoking girl even jumped an outrage, nearly knocking over the nearby wooden structure.

Mrs. Campbell raised her voice.

Be careful, Agnes.

God forbid, if that structure falls and injures someone.

Don't worry, Mrs. Campbell.

This thing won't fall even if it wanted to.

It might hit the wall, but it will stay standing.

And as for my information being untrue, you're deeply mistaken as well.

I've studied the laws well, especially when it comes to benefits.

From the adjacent room, where the installation team was already wall-papering the walls,

Mrs. Wright asked with a smirk.

And where do you, Agnes, get all your knowledge?

You sound like a professor.

But then it's unclear why you're running around here with a trowel?

The opponent dealt a serious blow to Agnes' self-esteem in their verbal duel.

The instigator of the disorder couldn't bear such a retort.

Mrs. Wright, even though I didn't finish any institutes, I do know the laws of physics,

and my math skills are just fine, for your information.

I recently calculated everything in my head, and it turns out that in nearly 20 years of

work, I've already polished 1,000 kilometers of walls.

If you line them up in a straight line, you could circle the equator.

Mrs. Campbell couldn't contain herself and burst out laughing.

Girls, it looks like we need to call in experts from that Guinness Book of Yours.

Let them record Agnes' record.

The collective laughter soared upward, echoing through the rooms of the future apartment.

Mrs. Pouted in offense and grabbed her trowel.

Don't worry, we'll see who has the last laugh.

And how can one work with people who are so determined to shut you up?

I didn't expect such malice from you, Mrs. Campbell.

Don't take offense at fair observations.

I didn't say it to hurt you, but you babble all sorts of nonsense.

You know very well that Ms. Turner doesn't appreciate idle chatter.

It distracts from work.

Mrs. wanted to respond to the senior worker's remark, but a voice from afar, presumably

the supervisor, could be heard, and she grumbled in dissatisfaction.

Well, there you go, Mrs. Campbell, spreading rumors.

As soon as we mention the supervisor, she magically appears, and now she's going to

scold us all.

Ms. Turner cheerfully asked, so, workers, how is our work progressing?

Judy, who had been silent until then, responded curtly, at an accelerated pace.

We're doing our best, supervisor.

She circled the room, inspecting the finished surfaces, critically in some areas.

No, girls, this won't do.

There's a defect here.

We'll have to redo everything.

It's not just undermining my authority, but yours as well.

After all, your salary depends on the quality of your work.

Without a hint of embarrassment, Agnes turned to the workers.

Whose fault is this?

Judy, it's your doing.

Fix it, and make it fast.

The young woman looked at Agnes with bewilderment.

Agnes, aren't you ashamed?

It's your wall, so you're responsible for your own work.

The girl didn't lose her composure.

She confronted the young worker.

So, the youth has gone astray.

Instead of keeping silent, she goes against her superiors.

Judy, you should think about the consequences.

Don't threaten me, Agnes.

Miss Turner raised her voice.

What's all this arguing about?

Should I separate you like children?

Your grown women, yet you're behaving like teenagers.

The supervisor took a deep breath and addressed Agnes.

I want to make it clear, esteemed Agnes, that I won't tolerate any quarrels in my team.

I hope I don't have to repeat myself.

Agnes immediately backtracked.

I was just joking.

What kind of people do we have here, taking everything so seriously?

I was trying to lighten the mood, and they're unhappy.

Miss Turner shook her head disapprovingly.

Agnes, it's not fitting for you, a mother of three, to behave so carelessly.

The younger workers look up to you, they take you as