Podcast Summary: Más de uno – Radioficción - Episodio 24: "Pequeña"

Host: Carlos Alsina (OndaCero)
Date: February 18, 2026

Overview

In this episode of “Radioficción,” Carlos Alsina invites listeners for another session of live radio-theater, broadcasting from the Teatro Luis del Olmo. The focal point is the original radio play “Pequeña,” which skillfully blends surrealism and emotional depth to explore themes of invisibility, loneliness, and support in a world that often notices physical presence more than personal struggle. A running subplot about a mysterious thief at the theater adds humor and charm to the overall experience.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Setting the Stage: The Theft at the Theater

• [00:25-04:34]: Hosts and audience members discuss increased security at the theater due to a series of thefts occurring exclusively during Radioficción performances.
  • The thefts, mentioned with both humor and concern, create a tongue-in-cheek atmosphere of chaos and paranoia among the patrons.
  • The segment showcases lively audience interaction and running gags about constantly missing objects (bastons, purses, etc.).

2. Main Radio Play: “Pequeña”

Opening Situation

• [05:51]: Enrique summons Ana for a private meeting, sparking concern.
• Their conversation reveals Ana's recent withdrawal and absence, stirring Enrique's worry.

Ana’s Strange Transformation

• [06:27-07:06]:
  • Enrique confronts Ana:

    “No, más que liada, Ana, es que no estás. […] Llevas unos meses que no estás aquí, no te veo igual con los demás.”
    (Enrique, 06:27)

  • Ana insists she is fine, but narration tells us:

    “Esa puede que fuera la única cosa de la que estaba segura Ana. No había nadie en el planeta Tierra que pudiera ayudarla con todo.”
    (Narrador, 07:06)

Surreal Changes Begin

• [07:16-08:15]:
  • Ana notices her pajamas are loose; she cannot reach kitchen shelves.
  • Upon looking in the mirror, she is struck by her own shrinking:

    “Se sorprendió pequeña, más pequeña que el día anterior.”
    (Narrador, 08:15)

At Work: The Struggle with Invisibility

• [08:32-09:13]: During a meeting, Ana literally shrinks in her chair, her body diminishing “como una camiseta de algodón.”
  • Enrique notices her distress:

    “Ana, ¿Estás bien?”
    (Enrique, 08:56)

Social Masking and Denial

• [09:51-10:35]:
  • Ana’s coworkers notice changes but misattribute them to dieting or stress:

    “Es que estás más delgada y muy estilosa. Menudos tacorazos llevas hoy.”
    (Begoña, 10:19)

  • Ana feels isolated, perceiving herself as disappearing “cada día un poquito más.”

Withdrawal and Resignation

• [11:28-13:05]:
  • Enrique suggests Ana work from home for recovery, offering support:

    “Si estás preocupada por algo y eso es lo que te tiene así, piensa que no hay nada que no tenga solución.”
    (Enrique, 11:31)

  • Alone, Ana reflects on her childhood and dwindling presence; she loses the will and strength to engage with daily life and even avoids virtual connections.

Turning Point: The Power of Quiet Support

• [13:16-14:27]:

  • As Ana nears total disappearance, Enrique visits her unexpectedly.

  • He physically gathers her “como si fuera una valiosísima figurita de cristal” and holds her in companionable silence for hours.

  • At this act of tender solidarity, Ana at last stops shrinking.

    “Aquel día Ana dejó de menguar.”
    (Narrador, 14:27)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Absence and Support:

  “No, más que liada, Ana, es que no estás.”
  (Enrique, 06:27)

• On the Feeling of Invisible Struggle:

  “No había nadie en el planeta Tierra que pudiera ayudarla con todo lo que le estaba pasando.”
  (Narrador, 07:06)

• On Denial and Social Masking:

  “Se te está quedando un tipín. Qué envidia. Estás divina.”
  (Begoña, 10:31)

• On True Help:

  “Piensa que no hay nada que no tenga solución.”
  (Enrique, 11:31)

• Final Act of Care:

  “La recogió delicadamente, como si fuera una valiosísima figurita de cristal, la abrazó entre las palmas de sus manos y se dirigió al salón... Aquel día Ana dejó de menguar.”
  (Narrador, 14:27)

Important Timestamps for Segments

• [00:25] Security scare and theater thief subplot
• [05:51] Start of the radio play "Pequeña"
• [06:27] Enrique expresses concern for Ana’s wellbeing
• [07:16] Ana notices physical changes
• [08:32] Ana shrinking in the office
• [10:19] Coworkers’ superficial observations
• [11:31] Enrique offers support, suggests remote work
• [13:16] Enrique visits Ana at home
• [14:27] Climax: Enrique’s quiet act of support halts Ana’s shrinking

Tone and Style

• The episode expertly marries humor (via the “theater thief” running gag) with the emotional weight of “Pequeña.”
• Testimonies and dialogues are delivered with both lightness and sincerity, capturing the real feel of office camaraderie and the poignancy of emotional isolation.
• The narrative style is intimate, allowing the audience to connect with Ana’s internal state and the subtle acts of caring that make a difference.

Final Thoughts

“Pequeña” stands out as both a literal and metaphorical tale of becoming invisible under the weight of internalized struggle, and the transformative effect of gentle, non-intrusive support from a friend. The episode as a whole balances its trademark radio-theater whimsy with a deeply human core, making it memorable for both its story and the way it’s told.