Angels Fortune Editions

“You never know how strong you are

until being strong is your only choice.”

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Anything wrong with my annual forecast?”

“Well, it seems to me it is too risky.” Santiago continued.

“Your forecasts for the Italian and German markets are really, well, aggressive, I would say, especially considering how the economy is going.”

“I know perfectly well how the economy is going, Santiago, and I assure you that the forecast I provided accounted for the economic trend,” I interrupted dryly.

“Elena, we have forwarded your report to Production, and they informed us that if we don’t achieve the minimum objectives, the levels of remaining stock will be very high, and the cost will be astronomical.”

“This is not a canning company. We make fashion, and fashion has an expiration date. A dress in stock is a dress that has no value and represents a loss to the company,” said Eduardo, intervening in the conversation.

“I don’t understand this sudden fear that has come over you all,” I defended myself. “If I have taken a risk with those two markets is because I know I can do it. We have increased sales by ten percent in Germany and almost five percent in Italy. They are demanding clients, especially the Italians, but we are breaking through little by little. The forecasts are simply an indicative study. You know that they have never strictly adhered to them.”

“Well, Elena, we called you here to let you know that the company is not willing to take such a high risk, and we have no choice but to proceed without your services,” Santiago said, his voice betraying a hint of insecurity.

“What?! You’re joking, right?” I exclaimed. “Do you mean you are firing me over a forecast report you don’t agree with? Do you think that preparing forecast reports is the only thing I do for this company?” I shouted angrily.

“I’m sorry, Elena, but the order comes from above. The decision is final,” Eduardo continued.

“But can you tell what this is really about?” I exploded. “I have been with this company for five years. This has been my fifth report, and you know better than anyone that I have never, ever made a mistake. For the love of God, in 2013, my forecasts came to fruition almost one hundred percent! This year I have been more aggressive, but we can afford to be aggressive.” I continued defending myself.

The two men looked at each other for a moment and remained silent. Then I understood things were serious, that there was no turning back, and I changed tactics. I decided to “collaborate.”

“Very well, I suppose all this is not your idea,” I said with studied calm.

“Of course not. You know that I, more than anyone else, have trusted you and your abilities and I would have trusted your forecast this time too, but it no longer depends on me, I a