In a one-hour commute to the workplace, I am accompanied by the car radio. On yesterday's journey, I had the opportunity to enjoy a short story program, as the last port of the road, full of curves, began in Karrantza. Short legends, yes, of few words, but stories of great content.

The habit of uploading instantaneous videos or photos to social media in today's society, for any event, is not a way to stop. I am sometimes surprised at the large number of words that radio broadcasters should use to describe tough events. On other occasions, the war, for example, I thank journalists for acknowledging that they have no words to tell them, because they manage to put my imagination into motion. Maybe, because that's the goal. Who knows!

I often get the perception that words are left over. At Christmas, across the window of the airport waiting room, raise your arm and hand has the meaning of four words: “Welcome home, my daughter!” In the evening, the hug we give to a friend represents five languages: “You’ve had a great mother. Accompanying in disgust.” In the poteo on Fridays, when arriving at the bar, a single magnifier equals six words: “Hello friends and friends. How did the week go?” Before we leave the house, the kiss we give our partner saves us nine words: “I love you so much. Spend a good day and be careful on the road.”

A student has brought me to school today the result of a HABE study to comment on the criteria of the amendment: adequacy, coherence, cohesion, wealth and correction; in all of them C (enough). On the other hand, the result is not suitable. “How?” I ask. “In the absence of twelve words, Rafa, twelve!” the gixajo replied.

Rafa Arriola