The Unforgettable Year of the Empty Shelves: Stories from the 1990s: contos, #1

By Ricardo Almeida

Step into a poignant narrative of resilience and camaraderie set against the backdrop of a tumultuous era in the early 1990s. Within a society grappling with scarcity and adversity, ordinary individuals like Angelina, a young teacher, navigate a world marked by economic instability and emotional challenges. The haunting emptiness of store shelves, prolonged salary delays, and an overarching sense of hopelessness loom large, casting a shadow over daily life. Angelina, resourceful and determined, grapples with the daunting reality of mismatched boots and the trials of providing for her family amidst a climate of scarcity. Despite the grim circumstances, an unbreakable bond with her neighbor, Tiffany, weaves a thread of solace and understanding through the fabric of their lives. As Tiffany grapples with personal turmoil and the haunting consequences of a life-altering decision, Angelina's unwavering support serves as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. In the midst of these trials, moments of warmth and joy punctuate the narrative, offering glimpses of the indomitable human spirit. From the tender exchange between Angelina and her daughter, Jane, to the heartwarming aroma of a home-cooked meal, every scene is infused with a resolute determination to find solace in the simple joys of life. Join Angelina and Tiffany on a compelling journey through the intricacies of friendship, love, and the resilience of the human heart, as they navigate a world fraught with challenges, finding strength in each other and the unyielding pursuit of hope and happiness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ricardo Almeida
• Release date: Nov 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223926658

Book preview

Table of Contents

The Unforgettable Year of the Empty Shelves: Stories from the 1990s (contos, #1)

It was the beginning of the 1990s.

Troubled times.

While up there, they were wrecking the country as best they could, ordinary people were trying

to survive.

Empty store shelves, salaries delayed for half a year, a sense of hopelessness.

But the people adapted to these conditions, coming up with something, doing their best,

in a word.

And there was Angelina, a young teacher, clumsily examining the boots she had received as part

of her salary.

It wouldn't be a big deal.

Winter was just around the corner, she needed something to wear.

But one boot was size 37, while the other was size 38, and they couldn't be exchanged.

Who would want to trade when everyone else had the right sizes?

As for the deputy headmistress, Ms. Gloria, she got an autumn one and a winter one.

They looked similar on the surface, both size 40, but one had artificial fur, while the

other was lined with a cloth.

But Ms. Gloria just laughed, saying that she would wear them both at school.

Angelina tucked the boots under the bed and went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

Her husband would be home soon from work, and on the way, he would pick up little Jane

from the kindergarten.

The food at the kindergarten wasn't great, so she wanted to at least feed the child in

the evening.

And her husband too.

He worked at the factory and needed his strength.

Angelina examined the contents of the refrigerator and realized she would cook sausages she managed

to snatch from the hands of a generous saleswoman yesterday.

The woman was already closing the shop, despite there still being a line of about 20 people,

and she stopped right in front of Angelina.

The young woman was so upset by this unfairness.

She couldn't believe it.

And without thinking, she grabbed the string of sausages from the display, about 15 of

them, probably.

Waid them, she demanded of the saleswoman.

I'll pay for it right here.

She said it in such a tone that the saleswoman believed her.

She weighed them, calculated the price, and then yelled at Angelina's back, complaining

about how these customers had become so audacious.

Angelina smiled, remembering it.

And so sausages with pasta would make a decent dinner.

She was busy at the stove when the doorbell rang.

Alex and Jane would have opened it themselves.

It was probably Tiffany, their neighbor.

Tiffany is a neighbor who has been living in their building for a little over a year.

She rents an apartment from an old lady she knows.

Tiffany works as a hairdresser.

Angelina and Tiffany became friends, and Tiffany often drops by their place to chat.

Tiffany is a good person, but she's been having trouble with her personal life.

Not long ago, she was dating someone who started being abusive towards her.

But then suddenly, Tiffany blossomed.

Angelina immediately understood she had fallen in love.

Tiffany admitted it but didn't reveal who it was.

Recently, Tiffany stopped laughing and smiling.

It turned out she was pregnant and her partner urged her to have an abortion because he was

married.

Angelina tried to discourage her, saying that they would figure it out somehow, and raising

children was possible even in difficult times.

You're joking, Tiffany cried.

I don't want to live like that, without a decent apartment, without a stable job.

Our hair salon is barely surviving, and I'm young and beautiful.

I will find my happiness.

As you wish, Angelina shrugged her shoulders.

But children are always a blessing, no matter what.

I don't even know how I would live without Jane.

It wasn't easy when she was born either.

It's still tough now, but we manage.

Don't compare yourself to me, Tiffany said, wiping away her tears, squinting her eyes.

You weren't told to have an abortion.

That never happened, Angelina agreed.

But the final decision is up to you.

And don't rush.

Maybe you and the baby's father will end up together.

Anything can happen.

By the way, who is he?

You still haven't told me.

It's none of your business, Tiffany snapped back and ran away.

Angelina